7 Steps to Make Restaurant-Quality Chickpea Tagine at Home

Chickpea Tagine is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the warmth of Moroccan cuisine to your table. Bursting with aromatic spices, tender chickpeas, and sweet vegetables, this tagine is both hearty and healthy. Originating from North Africa, tagine refers to both the stew and the earthenware pot it’s traditionally cooked in. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to create a delicious chickpea tagine using readily available ingredients and simple techniques. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this exotic and satisfying dish!

Quick Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Servings: 4
Calories: 350 (per serving)

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Tagine:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Cooked couscous or quinoa
• Toasted almonds (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons and cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Add Spices: Stir in the ground ginger, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

3. Incorporate Tomatoes and Chickpeas: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and add the rinsed and drained chickpeas. Stir well to combine.

4. Simmer the Tagine: Add the vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

5. Season and Adjust: After simmering, taste the tagine and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If the tagine is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.

6. Stir in Herbs: Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and parsley just before serving.

7. Serve: Serve the chickpea tagine hot over cooked couscous or quinoa. Garnish with toasted almonds, if desired.

Pro Tips for Success

• Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the level of spiciness. For a milder tagine, omit the cayenne pepper altogether.

• Sweetness: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness to balance the spices.

• Make Ahead: Chickpea tagine can be made a day or two in advance. The flavors actually improve as it sits! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

• Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have fresh cilantro or parsley, you can use dried herbs. Use about 1 teaspoon of each. You can substitute the bell peppers with other vegetables like zucchini or carrots.

How to Serve and Present

Serve the chickpea tagine hot, ladled generously over a bed of fluffy couscous or quinoa. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted almonds for added crunch and visual appeal. A dollop of plain yogurt or a drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the presentation. Traditionally, tagines are served directly from the cooking pot, adding to the communal and rustic charm of the dish.

Variations to Try

• Fruit Tagine: Add dried apricots, raisins, or dates for a sweeter and more complex flavor profile.

• Vegetable Medley: Include other vegetables like eggplant, butternut squash, or sweet potatoes for a heartier and more colorful tagine.

• Spicy Harissa Tagine: Stir in a spoonful of harissa paste for an extra kick of heat and smoky flavor.

FAQ Section

Q: Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

A: Yes, but you’ll need to soak the dried chickpeas overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the tagine. This will add significantly to the total cooking time.

Q: How do I prevent the tagine from sticking to the pot?

A: Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and stir the tagine occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking.

Q: Can I freeze chickpea tagine?

A: Yes, chickpea tagine freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: What if I don’t have vegetable broth?

A: You can substitute chicken broth or water mixed with a vegetable bouillon cube.

Q: Is this recipe vegan?

A: Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan, making it a great option for plant-based diets.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you’ve just created a delicious and authentic chickpea tagine! With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and vegetables to customize it to your liking. Now it’s your turn to impress your friends and family with this taste of Morocco. Share your results in the comments! You might also enjoy exploring other Moroccan recipes like vegetable tagine or couscous with roasted vegetables.