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    Home / Dinner / Ktzitzot

    Ktzitzot

    Tender Moroccan-Israeli meat patties simmered in a fragrant tomato sauce, spooned over couscous or challah.

    ⏱ 20 minPrep time
    🔥 30 minCook time
    🍽 4Servings
    🏷 DinnerCategory
    ☆☆☆☆☆No ratings yet
    Ktzitzot

    Ktzitzot are the Moroccan-Israeli answer to meatballs: ground beef patties perfumed with parsley, cilantro, and warm spices, simmered in a simple tomato sauce. They came to Israel with Moroccan Jewish families and became a weekday staple that everyone grew up eating. Served over couscous or with challah to soak up the sauce, they are comfort food with a North African soul, and a favorite at holiday tables and Friday dinners too.

    Tender patties swimming in garlicky tomato sauce

    The patties stay tender because the grated onion and egg keep the beef loose and moist, while the herb-flecked crumb adds a savory, homey flavor. The sauce is bright and garlicky, reduced around the patties until it clings to every surface. Each spoonful brings soft meat, rich tomato, and the warm hum of paprika and turmeric. It is the kind of dinner that fills the house with good smells, and leftovers are even better the next day, if there are any.

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    Step by stepInstructions

    1. In a bowl, combine the beef, onion, half the garlic, parsley, cilantro, egg, matzo meal, paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
    2. Mix gently until just combined, then shape into 12 small patties.
    3. Heat the oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the patties in batches, 2 minutes per side, and set aside.
    4. Add the remaining garlic to the skillet and cook 30 seconds.
    5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and simmer 10 minutes.
    6. Return the patties to the sauce, cover, and simmer gently until tender and cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.
    7. Serve hot with couscous, rice, or challah to soak up the sauce.

    💡 Chef tips & storage

    Do not overmix the meat or the patties turn dense. The sauce tastes even better the next day, so make extra.

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    Recipe details

    Prep20 min
    Cook30 min
    Servings4
    CategoryDinner
    PublishedAugust 17, 2026
    Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

    Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

    Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

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