Sardine Meatball Tagine

Ingredients

What you’ll need

• Sardine balls
• 1 1/2 lb/680 g cleaned sardine fillets
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro and parsley
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cayenne
• 1/3 cup/60 g cooked rice or 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, optional binder
• Sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 lb/680 g grated tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 cup/120 ml water
• 1/2 preserved lemon rind, chopped
• 1/3 cup olives

Method

How it comes together

1. 1

   Pulse sardines, herbs, garlic, spices, and optional rice just until minced. Chill 15 minutes, then form walnut-size balls with wet hands.

2. 2

   Simmer oil, garlic, tomatoes, paste, spices, and water until slightly thick, 15 minutes.

3. 3

   Gently add sardine balls in one layer. Cover and simmer without vigorous stirring for 10-12 minutes, until opaque and firm.

4. 4

   Add preserved lemon and olives for the final 5 minutes.