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## Instructions
### Step 1: **Make the Koftas**
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat (or mashed chickpeas if you’re going vegetarian) with the finely chopped onion, garlic, parsley (or cilantro), cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and breadcrumbs (if using) and mix everything together until well combined.
Once your mixture is ready, wet your hands and shape it into small meatballs, about 1–2 inches in diameter. Set them aside.
### Step 2: **Prepare the Sauce**
In a large tagine or a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Next, add the crushed tomatoes to the pan, followed by the cumin, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, and let it simmer for about 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Add about 1/2 cup of water (or broth) to thin out the sauce and make it more stew-like. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
### Step 3: **Cook the Koftas**
Carefully place the koftas into the simmering sauce. Allow them to cook for about **15 minutes**, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. The koftas should be tender and cooked through.
### Step 4: **Add the Eggs**
Once the koftas are fully cooked, create small wells in the sauce and gently crack the eggs into the sauce, being careful not to break the yolks. Cover the tagine or skillet and cook for about **5–8 minutes**, or until the eggs are poached to your desired level of doneness. You can cook them longer if you prefer the yolks to be firmer.
### Step 5: **Serve**
Once the eggs are poached, remove the dish from heat. Serve your delicious Egg Kofta Tagine with warm crusty bread, couscous, or rice. The sauce is so flavorful that you’ll want something to dip into it!
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## Tips and Variations
* **Vegetarian Option**: You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping the ground meat with mashed chickpeas or lentils. Season them the same way, and the dish will still be just as satisfying.
* **Spice Level**: Adjust the level of heat in the sauce by adding chili flakes or a fresh chili when cooking the onions and garlic.
* **Herb Variation**: Fresh cilantro is often used in Moroccan cuisine, but parsley works wonderfully too. Feel free to use your favorite fresh herbs!
* **Serve with Sides**: This dish pairs beautifully with a side of **roasted vegetables**, **couscous**, or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the tagine.
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## Final Thoughts
Egg Kofta Tagine is the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is simple and inexpensive to make. It’s a great dish for anyone looking to explore Moroccan or North African cuisine without needing fancy ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or simply craving a delicious one-pot meal, this recipe will certainly hit the spot.
The combination of juicy koftas, flavorful tomato sauce, and the delicate richness of poached eggs makes this dish truly irresistible. Give it a try and experience the magic of tagine cooking — you won’t be disappointed!
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**Looking to make more tagine recipes? Let me know if you’d like more ideas for hearty, flavorful dishes like this one!**
