Laura Mariano
Chickpea Tagine is a delicious and aromatic Moroccan dish featuring chickpeas and vegetables, cooked slowly with a variety of spices. It’s a great option for a hearty vegetarian or vegan meal. Here’s a simple recipe to prepare Chickpea Tagine at home.
Chickpea Tagine Recipe
Ingredients:
- Base:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup dried apricots or raisins
- Spices:
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tbsp harissa or chili paste (optional for heat)
- Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Toasted almonds or pine nuts (optional)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
- Sauté the Base:
- In a large pot or tagine, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, carrots, and bell pepper, cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add Spices:
- Add the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for about 2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Add Chickpeas and Liquid:
- Stir in the chickpeas, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, and dried apricots or raisins. If you like it spicy, add the harissa or chili paste at this stage.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cook:
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld, and the vegetables will become tender.
- Final Adjustments:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and sprinkle with toasted nuts if desired. Serve hot with couscous, rice, or crusty bread, and lemon wedges on the side.
Tips:
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like sweet potatoes, spinach, or eggplant based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
- Freezing: Chickpea Tagine freezes well, making it a great meal prep option.
Enjoy your Chickpea Tagine, a flavorful and healthy dish that brings a taste of Morocco to your table!
