Moroccan Lamb Kefta with Eggs and Tomato
كفتة مقلية بالبيض والطماطم
Spiced lamb meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with eggs cracked on top — a Moroccan comfort classic that delivers serious protein. The combination of cumin, paprika, and fresh herbs makes every bite complex without being heavy.
Time
30m
Servings
4
Difficulty
easy
Budget
$$
The Story
Kefta dishes appear across the Middle East and North Africa, but the Moroccan version stands out for its use of fresh herb–loaded meatballs and the addition of poached eggs. Street-food stalls in Marrakech and Fes serve small tagines of kefta bubbling in tomato sauce, often with bread for dipping. The egg-on-top technique likely migrated from Berber breakfast traditions and Shakshuka-style dishes found throughout the region.
✓Healthy Swaps & Tips
- • Use extra-lean ground turkey instead of lamb to cut saturated fat significantly.
- • Skip the eggs if you want a lower-calorie version — the kefta and sauce alone are satisfying.
- • Serve with a large green salad instead of bread for a lower-carb meal.
Ingredients
- 400glean ground lambor use lean beef
- ½onionfinely grated
- 3 tbspfresh parsleyfinely chopped
- 3 tbspfresh cilantrofinely chopped
- 1 tspground cumin
- 1 tsppaprika
- ¼ tspcinnamon
- to tastesalt and pepper
- 400gcanned crushed tomatoes
- 2 clovesgarlicminced
- 4eggs
- 1 tbspolive oil
Instructions
Mix lamb, grated onion, parsley, cilantro, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Shape into small meatballs (about 2 cm).
Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or small tagine. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Pour in crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 5 minutes.
Nestle meatballs into the sauce. Cover and cook for 8 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
Make 4 small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each. Cover and cook for 3–4 minutes until whites are set but yolks are still runny.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with crusty whole-grain bread.
Common Questions
Can I use beef instead of lamb?
Yes, lean ground beef is a common substitute. The spice blend works equally well with either meat.
How do I keep the egg yolks runny?
Cover the pan and cook on medium-low for exactly 3–4 minutes. Check early — the residual heat will continue to set the whites after you remove the lid.
Nutrition per serving
Estimated values based on standard ingredients.
Nutrition info is provided as a general guide. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.
