Dive into the vibrant flavors of Morocco with our delectable Chickpea Tagine with Harissa! This hearty and aromatic dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a breeze to prepare, taking just 45 minutes from start to finish. Imagine the tantalizing scent of spices wafting through your kitchen as you create a meal that’s both comforting and exotic. Packed with nutritious ingredients and a kick of harissa, this tagine is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at your next gathering. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Moroccan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Drain and rinse the can of chickpeas and set aside. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the carrot and zucchini.
- In a large pot or tagine, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Next, add the diced carrot and zucchini to the pot. Stir well and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
- Stir in the harissa paste, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the drained chickpeas to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 20 minutes, check the consistency of the tagine. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste the tagine and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or harissa if desired.
- Once cooked, remove the pot from heat. Serve the chickpea tagine warm, garnished with fresh cilantro on top.
- This dish pairs well with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and rinse the chickpeas in advance. This makes the cooking process smoother and quicker.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in other vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers or sweet potatoes, to personalize your tagine.
- Adjust the Heat: Harissa can vary in spiciness, so start with a smaller amount and add more to taste if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allow the tagine to simmer longer if you have the time; this enhances the flavors and gives the ingredients a chance to meld beautifully.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your tagine with fluffy couscous or warm crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce for a complete meal.
- Garnish for Freshness: Don’t skip the cilantro garnish! It adds a fresh pop of flavor that elevates the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
