This North African Meatball Stew is super easy to make and absolutely delicious.
I found this incredible recipe a few years back in my Weight Watchers Ready, Set, Go Cookbook {Amazon}.
Serve it on top of rice or couscous with a side of biscuits and life is good!
North African Meatball Stew
If you’re like me, even if you’re trying to eat healthy, you want to eat something substantial that’s going to stick to your ribs.
A healthy lifestyle always includes a good amount of fruits, veggies and drinking lots of water.
However, for me at least, in order to stick to a healthy eating regimen, I have to include meals that are satisfying.
Doing this goes a long way in being able to maintain a healthy lifestyle for the long term.
Obviously, I love the fact that this is a dinner recipe for only 5 WW SmartPoints.
According to Wikipedia.org, “North Africa, the northernmost part of Africa along the Mediterranean Sea includes the nations of Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Over several centuries traders, travelers, invaders, migrants and immigrants all have influenced the cuisine of North Africa.”
Needless to say, I’ve always loved Mediterranean influenced cuisine, so I knew I would love this dish.
In addition to the cookbook mentioned above, The Food of Morocco {Amazon}, contains more deliciously mouthwatering North African recipes, such as:
- Berber Skillet Bread
- Spiced Harira
- Savory Stuffed Lamb with Couscous & Dates
North African Meatball Stew Recipe
Healthy WW North African Meatball Stew – 5 SmartPoints
Ingredients
- - 1 lb ground lean beef, 5% fat or less
- - 2 T. finely choped fresh cilantro
- - 2 t. ground cumin
- - 1/2 t. salt
- - 1/4 t. black pepper
- - 2 t. olive oil
- - 1 onion, chopped
- - 2 garlic cloves, minced
- - 1 c. diced tomatoes, I used canned
- - 3/4 c. water
- - 3 T. tomato paste
- - 2 T. lemon juice, I used bottled
- - 2 T. chopped fresh mint
Instructions
- Mix together beef, cilantro, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper in large bowl just until well combined. With damp hands, shape mixture into 24 (1 inch) meatballs.
- Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomatoes, water, tomato paste, and remaining 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; bring to boil.
- Add meatballs to skillet. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until meatballs are cooked through and sauce is thickened, about 30 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and sprinkle with mint.
Notes
Substitute Rice for Couscous
The recipe suggests that the meatballs be served over top of 2/3 of a cup of cooked whole wheat couscous which would add an additional 3 SmartPoints.
Couscous is a very common side dish in North African cuisine and I love me some couscous!
BUT, since my son won’t touch couscous, I opted to serve it over some jasmine rice.
The Recipe Results
It turned out amazingly good!
We all absolutely love the Mediterranean taste of it!
I have to say the cumin and mint, which are common North African cuisine staples, really made the dish!
What to Serve with North African Meatball Stew
This dish would be really good served with some steamed carrots or oven roasted zucchini.
Bottom line is just because you might be on a diet, that doesn’t mean you can’t step outside of your comfort zone.
Why not try some different types of dishes from around this beautiful Earth we live on!
I’m so glad that I did!
Here are a few more delicious international recipes:
Asian Chicken Salad – WW SmartPoints
Middle Eastern Turkey Kebabs & Cucumber Yogurt Dip – WW SmartPoints
- Maryland Crab Fries Recipe - November 7, 2023
- Maryland Crab Macaroni and Cheese - October 24, 2023
- 17 Best Outdoor Breweries in Maryland - October 18, 2023
This looks absolutely delicious and different–can’t wait to try it!!! Thanks!!!!
It really is good & healthy too!