Algerian Kefta (Meatballs)

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 4 cloves garlic , minced, divided
• 0.25 cups finely chopped onion , divided
• salt and pepper to taste
• 3 romas (plum) tomatoes , diced
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 0.5 teaspoons ras el hanout , Optional
• 0.5 cups water

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine ground beef with 1/2 of the minced garlic and 1 tablespoon chopped onion in a large bowl. Mix with your hands until fully incorporated. Shape meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch oblong patties; you should have 12 to 14 meatballs.

2. 2

   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown patties in batches in the hot skillet until crispy on both sides and no longer pink in the center, about 10 minutes. Set meatballs aside in a rimmed serving dish.

3. 3

   Reduce heat to medium and stir remaining chopped onion into drippings in the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in remaining garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in Roma tomatoes, dried parsley, and ras el hanout. Pour in water. Cook until tomatoes are soft, about 5 minutes.

4. 4

   Pour tomato sauce over meatballs to serve.