Turkey Meatball Tagine | Authentic Algerian Recipe
Discover one of Algeria’s best-kept culinary treasures! This Authentic Algerian Turkey Meatball Tagine features tender turkey meatballs, zucchini, potatoes, and the signature dried mint (naânaâ yebes) that has flavored family recipes in Bône (Annaba) for generations. A cozy, hearty North African meal simmered in a rich tomato sauce and perfect with crusty bread or fluffy couscous. Save this authentic Algerian recipe for your next comfort food dinner!
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Algerian home cooking is all about turning everyday ingredients into deeply comforting meals, and this Authentic Algerian Turkey Meatball Tagine is a beautiful example. Tender turkey meatballs simmer with zucchini, potatoes, and a rich tomato sauce, while dried mint (naânaâ yebes) slowly releases its unmistakable aroma. That final touch is what makes this dish so memorable and gives it the signature flavor of eastern Algeria.
Dried mint has long been a hallmark of the cuisine of Bône, now known as Annaba, where generations of home cooks have seasoned their tagines with this fragrant herb instead of relying solely on fresh herbs or warm spices. The gentle, herbal notes balance the richness of the tomato sauce and vegetables, creating a comforting dish that tastes both fresh and deeply satisfying. It’s a simple ingredient, yet one that instantly evokes the flavors of Algerian family kitchens.
Whether you are exploring North African cuisine for the first time or recreating a cherished family recipe, this authentic Algerian tagine is hearty, wholesome, and surprisingly easy to prepare. Serve it with warm crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce, and you will understand why this humble recipe has remained a beloved staple for generations. and I have my friend Zika to thank for the introduction to this dish.
Looking for some inspiration?… For more Meatballs Recipes, click HERE! ; for more Recipes with Turkey, click HERE! ; for more Recipes with Zucchini, click HERE! ; and for more Recipes with Mint, click HERE!
~Recipe made in July 2026~
Turkey Meatball Tagine | Authentic Algerian Recipe
Ingredients
TURKEY MEATBALLS
- 1 Lb (450 g) ground turkey
- 1/2 Large red onion
- 1 Tbsp parsley flakes
- 1 Tbsp corn starch
- 1 Tbsp dried mint leaves (Personal Addition)
- Salt, Pepper (To Taste)
ZUCCHINI POTATO TAGINE
- 1.30 Lbs (600 g) zucchini (2 Medium Zucchini)
- 2 gold potatoes (Peeled)
- 1/2 Large red onion
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, Pepper (To Taste)
- 8 oz (225 g) spring water (1 Cup)
- 32 oz (900 g) spring water (4 Cups)
- dried mint leaves (To sprinkle before serving)
Instructions
PREPARE THE VEGETABLES
- Lightly scrape the zucchini if the skin is thick, then cut them into large chunks. Set aside.1.30 Lbs zucchini
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized pieces, set aside in ice cold water bowl.2 gold potatoes
- Finely chop the red onion and divide it into two equal portions. Set aside.1/2 Large red onion
TURKEY MEATBALLS PREPARATION
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, half of the chopped onion, parsley flakes, cornstarch, dried mint leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix just until everything is evenly incorporated.1 Lb ground turkey, 1/2 Large red onion, 1 Tbsp parsley flakes, 1 Tbsp corn starch, 1 Tbsp dried mint leaves, Salt, Pepper
- Shape the mixture into meatballs about the size of a small apricot ; approximately 1 1/2 inches | 4 cm in diameter (Made 15 meatballs using my cookie scoop). Set aside.
SAUCE PREPARATION
- Heat the olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat.Add the remaining chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened.2 Tbsp olive oil
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly without burning.1 tbsp tomato paste
- Add the paprika, season with salt and pepper. Let it bloom for 30 seconds or so, then pour the spring water (small amount) and stir well.1 tsp smoked paprika, 8 oz spring water, Salt, Pepper
SIMMER THE STEW
- Add the potatoes to the pot, followed by the zucchini. Pour in enough water to just cover the vegetables. Here I added 4 cups. NOTE: The amount of water will depend on the size of the pot you are using.32 oz spring water
- Bring to a gentle boil (it taked about 10 minutes), then carefully nestle the turkey meatballs into the broth.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally. Add a little more water if needed to keep the vegetables partially submerged.NOTE: The stew is ready when the potatoes and zucchini are perfectly tender while still holding their shape. And the meatballs are fully cooked through when the thickest part reaches 165℉/74℃ (Source: FDA).Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Just before serving, sprinkle generously with the dried mint.IMPORTANT: Do not skip this final touch, as it brings the entire dish together and gives the stew its signature flavor.Serve hot with crusty bread, couscous, or steamed rice.NOTE: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stove until the meatballs reach 165℉ | 75℃. Enjoy & Bon Appétit!dried mint leaves
YouTube Video
Nutrition
Find it online:
Original Recipe Marka Jraywet Bel Kefta ; Tajine de Boulettes de dinde aux Courgettes et Pommes de Terre, à la Menthe Séchée by Zika from the blog Cuisine bônoise de Zika
Découvrez l’un des trésors de la cuisine Algérienne! Ce tajine traditionnel aux boulettes de dinde, pommes de terre, courgettes et menthe séchée (emblème de la cuisine de Bône – aujourd’hui, Annaba), mijote doucement dans une savoureuse sauce tomate. Une recette familiale, authentique et réconfortante qui met à l’honneur les saveurs de l’Est Algérien. À déguster avec du bon pain ou de la semoule de couscous. Épinglez cette recette pour la retrouver facilement!
Avec cette recette, je participe au défi culinaire du blog Compile Moi Un Menu (CMUM). Notre organisatrice est Natly du blog Une cuisine pour Voozenoo
Cet été Natly nous propose de partir en vacances dans la cuisine des copines et du “copain” sous le thème Summer Recipes – La ronde des blogs Inscription et dépôt de recettes ICI!
J’ai décidé de partir en vacances dans la cuisine de ma chère Zika du blog Cuisine bônoise de Zika et de me régaler avec son Marka Jraywet Bel Kefta ; Tajine de Boulettes de dinde aux Courgettes et Pommes de Terre, à la Menthe Séchée

