Posts Tagged ‘cumin’

Made this on the fly, wanting strong flavor, steamed meatballs and vegetables in one pot. This did the trick. I toasted the spices, ground them and added them to the beef. Hope you enjoy.

  • 1 tbsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tbsp mixed whole peppercorns
  • 2 tsp sesame seeds
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp crushed garlic
  • 1/2 large onion, chopped small dice
  • 1 large shallot, chopped small dice
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped small dice
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 large yellow potatoes, chopped small dice
  • 1 can Cream of Celery Soup

In my trusty Le Cruset dutch oven I toasted the first four ingredients/spices until the aroma was strong. Be careful not to burn. Pour into a spice grinder, I use a old coffee bean grinder devoted specifically for this purpose. Grind to fine and mix with the next five ingredients. Incorporate well, this mixture should be firm and if too wet, add some more bread crumbs. Using a small ice cream scoop I made the meatballs and put them in the dutch oven with the oil on low.

Next, add the onion, shallot and red pepper mixture. Let this cook for 5 minutes while you cook the potatoes. I use a large glass measuring bowl and cover the chopped potatoes with water and cover with a paper towel. Cook on high for 5 minutes. Drain off some water and add the soup and incorporate until soup is mixed in with the potatoes. Pour this mixture over the cooking meatball and vegetables. Simmer on low until meatballs and vegetables are cooked thoroughly.

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Harissa Sauce

Author: kevin

Harissa is a North African hot chili sauce commonly eaten in Morocco whose main ingredients are chili peppers, tomatoes and Paprika. This fiery red sauce is served as a condiment with many Tunisian dishes, particularly tagines. Though most closely associated with Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria it is a standard ingredient of North African cuisine. I’ve been to South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, but the Northern countries are on the agenda as I love Moroccan food!

Recipes for harissa vary according to the household and region. Variations can include the addition of cumin, red peppers, garlic, coriander, and lemon juice. This is my take on it. Use sparingly, it is HOT.

  • 12 jalapeno peppers
  • 1 large red bell pepper
  • 3 cloves crushed garlic
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/2 tsp coriander seeds
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil

In a hot frying pan toast the seeds until they start to smoke and give off aroma, do not burn. Next, cut off the stems of the jalapeno peppers, red bell pepper and discard the veins and seeds. Chop slightly and place in a food processor. Add the toasted seeds, garlic and oil. Puree until it resembles a nice paste.

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