Moroccan Lamb Meatball & Couscous Soup

Israeli couscous has bigger pearls than Moroccan couscous, and it still cooks very quickly, adding heartiness and texture to this soup. The meatballs also make a delicious dinner on their own, served over a bed of couscous.

 

Moroccan Lamb Meatball & Couscous Soup

 

For the meatballs:

1 tsp. ground coriander

1 tsp. ground cumin

1/4 tsp. curry powder

1/4 tsp. dried oregano

1/4 tsp. dried thyme

1/8 tsp. dry mustard

1/8 tsp. chili powder

Pinch of ground cinnamon

Salt and freshly ground pepper

1 lb. (500 g.) ground lamb

2 Tbs. tomato paste

 

1 cup (6 oz./185 g.) Israeli couscous

3 Tbs. olive oil

2 shallots, minced

5 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups (24 fl. oz./750 ml.) chicken broth

1 Tbs. chopped mint

 

To make the meatballs, preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Oil a baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine the coriander, cumin, curry powder, oregano, thyme, mustard, chili powder, and cinnamon. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add the lamb and tomato paste and mix to combine with your hands. For each meatball, scoop up 1 teaspoon of the lamb mixture, form into a meatball, and place on the prepared pan. Bake until the meatballs are cooked through, about 10 minutes.

 

In a small saucepan, bring 1 1/4 cups (10 fl. oz./310 ml.) water to a boil over high heat. Add the couscous, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until all the liquid is absorbed, 8-10 minutes.

 

Meanwhile, in a large, heavy pot, warm the oil over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and garlic and saute for 1 minute. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and add the meatballs and couscous and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in the mint, season with salt and pepper, and serve. Serves 4-6.

Find more soup recipes for every season and occasion in our cookbook Williams-Sonoma Soup of the Day, by Kate McMillan.