Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your kitchen into a vibrant Moroccan marketplace! This Moroccan Style Chickpea Stew is not just a recipe; it's a flavor explosion that promises to tantalize your senses and warm your soul. Imagine a dish so aromatic and comforting that it will make you forget about every other meal you've ever tried – a perfect blend of spices, textures, and pure culinary magic that's ready in less than an hour!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Moroccan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Allow the oil to warm for about 1 minute.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Mince the garlic and add to the onions, cooking for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown.
- Sprinkle cumin, paprika, and cinnamon into the pot, stirring to coat the onions and garlic with the spices and release their aromatic oils.
- Pour in the drained and rinsed chickpeas, diced tomatoes with their juice, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the stew to slightly thicken.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting spices as needed during the cooking process.
- Once the stew has reached desired consistency and chickpeas are tender, remove from heat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro just before serving. Optionally, serve over couscous or with warm pita bread.
Tips
- Spice is Nice: Toast your spices briefly in the oil before adding other ingredients to unlock their full flavor potential. This technique, known as blooming, intensifies the aromatic oils and creates a more complex taste profile.
- Texture Matters: For the most authentic experience, use dried chickpeas if you have time. If using canned, make sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
- Don't Rush the Simmer: Allow the stew to simmer slowly, which helps the flavors meld and the chickpeas become perfectly tender. Patience is key to developing deep, rich flavors.
- Garnish Game Strong: Fresh cilantro is not just a garnish – it's a flavor booster. Chop it right before serving to maintain its bright, fresh taste.
- Serving Suggestions: While delicious on its own, this stew pairs beautifully with couscous, warm pita bread, or even over a bed of fluffy rice. Don't be afraid to get creative!
- Make-Ahead Magic: This stew actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop. It's perfect for meal prep and freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
