This Moroccan meatball & couscous soup is the ultimate comfort dish, packed with warm spices, tender meatballs, and a rich tomato broth. The couscous soaks up all the flavors, making every spoonful deeply satisfying. It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare yet feels special—a true taste of Morocco in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 250g (9 oz) ground beef or lamb
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 carrot, diced
- 400g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes
- 750ml (3 cups) chicken or vegetable broth
- 60g (⅓ cup) couscous
- Fresh parsley and cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Extra olive oil for drizzling (optional)
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with minced garlic, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and roll into small meatballs, about 2 cm (¾ inch) in diameter. Set aside.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chopped tomatoes and broth, stirring to combine. Add the diced carrot and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Carefully drop the prepared meatballs into the simmering soup. Let them cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fully cooked through.
5. Stir in the couscous, turn off the heat, and cover the pot. Let it sit for 5 minutes so the couscous can absorb the liquid and become light and fluffy.
6. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley and cilantro, and drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy this cozy, aromatic Moroccan-inspired soup! 🍲✨
