Spiced Chickpea and Vegetable Tagine: A Taste of Morocco
Transport your tastebuds to Morocco with this fragrant and vibrant Spiced Chickpea and Vegetable Tagine. Tender chickpeas and colorful vegetables mingle in a richly spiced, savory sauce, punctuated by the sweetness of apricots and the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds. This comforting and aromatic dish is perfect for a flavorful and healthy weeknight meal, or a special vegetarian feast. The beauty of this Moroccan Tagine lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor achieved through a careful blend of warming spices. It's a dish that's both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make, perfect for home cooks of all levels. Find more inspiring recipes like this one on our blog, FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com.
This vegetarian tagine is a delicious and healthy option, packed with plant-based protein and fiber. The combination of spices creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile, and the addition of sweet apricots adds a touch of unexpected sweetness that balances the savory spices perfectly. It’s a true testament to the versatility of chickpeas and the magic of Moroccan cuisine.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
| Category | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Produce | Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Onion, chopped | 1 large | |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | |
| Red Bell Pepper, chopped | 1 | |
| Zucchini, chopped | 1 | |
| Canned Goods | Diced Tomatoes, undrained | 1 (14.5 oz) can |
| Chickpeas, rinsed and drained | 1 (15 oz) can | |
| Pantry | Vegetable Broth | 1 cup |
| Dried Apricots, roughly chopped | 1/2 cup | |
| Slivered Almonds, toasted | 1/4 cup | |
| Fresh Cilantro, chopped | 2 tbsp | |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tbsp | |
| Spices | Ground Cumin | 1 tsp |
| Ground Coriander | 1 tsp | |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/2 tsp | |
| Cinnamon | 1/4 tsp | |
| Cayenne Pepper (optional) | 1/4 tsp | |
| Salt and freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic, red bell pepper, and zucchini and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened.
- Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes (with juice), chickpeas, vegetable broth, and apricots. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in lemon juice and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with toasted slivered almonds.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level. You can also add a pinch of saffron threads for a more authentic Moroccan flavor.
- Vegetable Additions: Other vegetables that would work well in this tagine include butternut squash, eggplant, and carrots.
Serving Suggestion
Serve the tagine with couscous or quinoa for a complete meal. A dollop of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh parsley would also be a nice addition. Enjoy the rich flavors and the warmth of this Moroccan-inspired stew!
For more delicious and globally-inspired recipes, visit our blog at FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com!