Recipe

Moufataka with a Twist

Savory Delight: A Modern Twist on Algerian Moufataka

4.3 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Algerian cuisine with this unique twist on the classic Moufataka. This recipe combines traditional Algerian ingredients and cooking techniques with a modern twist, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and exciting.

Dessert› Moufataka

African cuisine› North African cuisine› Algerian cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

2 hours

Total time

2 hours and 20 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Mediterranean diet, Gluten-free diet, Dairy-free diet, Low-carb diet, High-protein diet

Allergens

N/A

Not suitable for

Vegan diet, Vegetarian diet, Paleo diet, Keto diet, Nut-free diet

Ingredients

500g (1.1 lb) lamb or beef, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) lamb or beef, cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced 1 green bell pepper, sliced
2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 4g
Protein: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1.
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until they become translucent.
3.
Add the cubed lamb or beef to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
4.
Stir in the sliced bell peppers and diced tomatoes, and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
5.
Sprinkle the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, and ground cinnamon over the meat and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6.
Pour enough water into the pot to cover the ingredients, then bring to a boil.
7.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
8.
Serve the Moufataka hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Lamb or beef — For the best results, choose lean cuts of meat and trim off any excess fat before cubing. This will ensure a tender and flavorful dish.
Ground cinnamon — Use a high-quality cinnamon powder for the best flavor. Adjust the amount according to your personal preference, as cinnamon can be quite strong.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the meat in the spices overnight before cooking.
Serve the Moufataka with warm crusty bread or couscous to soak up the delicious sauce.
Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant for added variety.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify over time.

Serving advice

Serve the Moufataka in deep bowls, allowing the aromatic steam to rise and tantalize your senses. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the colorful bell peppers and tomatoes on top of the stew, creating an inviting visual appeal. Serve with a side of warm bread or couscous for a complete meal.