Moroccan Chickpeas Stew Recipe
Description:
The Moroccan Chickpeas Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings the vibrant spices and sweetness of Moroccan cuisine to your table. This high-protein vegetarian stew is made from chickpeas cooked in a rich onion-tomato base, infused with aromatic spices such as cumin, paprika, and garam masala. What sets this dish apart is the addition of dried apricots and roasted almonds, which lend a lovely balance of sweetness and crunch to this comforting stew. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this Moroccan Chickpeas Stew is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Cuisine: African
Course: Dinner
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kabuli Chana (White Chickpeas), washed and soaked overnight | 1-1/2 cups |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1-inch piece |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 6 cloves |
| Onions, finely chopped | 2 medium-sized onions |
| Salt | To taste |
| Whole Black Pepper Corns, coarsely pounded | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Paprika powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Homemade tomato puree | 1/2 cup |
| Tomato, finely chopped | 1 medium-sized tomato |
| Apricots, finely chopped | 4 apricots |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina), finely chopped | 4 sprigs |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, finely chopped | 6 sprigs |
| Whole Almonds (Badam), toasted and chopped | 6 whole almonds |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions:
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Soak the Chickpeas: Begin by soaking the Kabuli chana (chickpeas) overnight or for at least 8 hours. This helps the chickpeas cook faster and more evenly.
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Cook the Chickpeas: After soaking, drain the chickpeas and add them to a pressure cooker. Add a pinch of salt and enough water so that the water level is at least 2 inches above the chickpeas. Close the lid and pressure cook for 4-5 whistles. Reduce the heat to low and allow the chickpeas to simmer for an additional 25-30 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally. Once done, set the cooked chickpeas aside.
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Prepare the Stew Base: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick, finely chopped garlic, and onions. Sautรฉ for 1-2 minutes until the onions soften and become fragrant.
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Add the Spices: Stir in the salt, turmeric powder, paprika, cumin powder, and garam masala. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices, allowing the flavors to blend.
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Incorporate the Apricots and Tomatoes: Add the chopped apricots, homemade tomato puree, and chopped tomatoes to the pan. Stir everything together, then cover and cook for about 2 minutes until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
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Add the Chickpeas: Once the tomatoes are well-cooked, add the cooked chickpeas to the pan. Stir to combine and check the seasoning. Adjust salt and spices according to your preference. Let the stew simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the chickpeas to absorb the flavors of the spices.
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Adjust Consistency: If the stew becomes too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and taste the stew to ensure it is properly seasoned.
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Finishing Touches: Once the stew is ready, turn off the heat. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, along with the chopped mint and coriander leaves. These fresh herbs will add a burst of flavor and aroma to the stew.
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Serve and Garnish: Garnish the stew with the toasted and chopped almonds. Serve the Moroccan Chickpeas Stew hot, paired with a side of Herbed Butter Garlic Quinoa for a wholesome meal.
Tips:
- Soaking Chickpeas: If you’re short on time, you can use canned chickpeas, but for the best flavor and texture, soaking and cooking them from scratch is highly recommended.
- Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices according to your heat tolerance. If you like it spicier, you can add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- Herbs and Garnishes: Fresh mint and coriander elevate the stew’s flavor profile, but if you don’t have access to fresh herbs, dried herbs can also work in a pinch.
Enjoy this Moroccan-inspired Chickpeas Stew thatโs brimming with hearty goodness, perfect for dinner or any occasion that calls for a healthy, comforting meal!
