Chickpea & Date Tagine Recipe
An Exotic & Flavorful African-Inspired Dish Perfect for a Hearty Dinner
Overview
Chickpea & Date Tagine is an aromatic and comforting dish that combines the earthy, nutty flavor of chickpeas with the sweet richness of dates, all brought together with a warm blend of spices. This North African-inspired recipe is ideal for a high-protein vegetarian dinner that is both satisfying and full of flavor. The addition of couscous makes it a well-rounded meal, and the dish is beautifully garnished with fresh mint leaves to add a refreshing contrast to the hearty tagine. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or preparing a weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress with its perfect balance of sweet and savory elements.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kabuli Chana (White Chickpeas) | 2 cups |
| Dates | 1 cup |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Homemade Tomato Puree | 1 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 6 cloves |
| Fresh Ginger (minced) | 1-inch piece |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 tablespoon |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | ½ teaspoon |
| Paprika Powder | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh Mint Leaves (Pudina) | For garnish |
| Couscous | As required (cooked) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 62 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 10 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Sodium | 360 mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings
- Makes: 4 servings
Cuisine
- African
Course
- Dinner
Dietary Preferences
- High-Protein Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas
- The first step in this recipe is to soak the Kabuli chickpeas overnight in enough water. This helps to soften the chickpeas and reduce the cooking time.
- The next morning, pressure cook the soaked chickpeas until they are tender. Once cooked, set them aside to be added later to the tagine.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a tagine (or a large, heavy-bottomed pot if you don’t have a tagine).
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil, and sauté until the raw smell dissipates. This usually takes about 2 minutes.
- Next, add the finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté until the onions become translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Tomato Puree and Spices
- Pour in the homemade tomato puree and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the oil begins to separate from the tomato sauce. This should take around 8-10 minutes.
- Once the tomato puree is cooked, add all of the ground spices: cumin powder, coriander powder, cinnamon powder, paprika, and salt. Stir well to coat the onion-tomato mixture in the spices.
Step 4: Combine Chickpeas and Dates
- Add the cooked chickpeas and dates into the pot and mix everything together. The sweetness from the dates will blend beautifully with the savory spices.
- Cover the tagine (or pot) and let the mixture cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Add Water and Simmer
- After the initial cooking, add about ¼ cup of water to the tagine to create a light sauce. Continue cooking for another 20-25 minutes, keeping the lid on and allowing the flavors to develop.
Step 6: Prepare the Couscous
- While the chickpea and date tagine is simmering, prepare the couscous.
- In a large saucepan, bring 1½ cups of water to a boil. Add ½ teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the boiling water.
- Once the water is boiling, remove the pan from the heat and add 1 cup of couscous. Stir to combine, then cover the pan and let the couscous steam for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Once the chickpea and date tagine is ready, remove it from the heat and sprinkle with fresh, chopped mint leaves for a burst of freshness.
- Serve the tagine hot with a side of fluffy couscous.
- For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of lemon zest or a handful of toasted dry fruits for added flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Chickpea & Date Tagine pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine, making it a perfect dish for a weekend dinner or special occasion.
- It can also be served alongside a simple green salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Additional Tips
- If you don’t have a tagine, you can use a regular Dutch oven or any large, heavy-bottomed pot with a lid. The key to this dish is slow cooking to allow the flavors to infuse properly.
- For a more savory twist, you can add a handful of olives to the tagine, which will add a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the dates.
- To make this dish even heartier, you can serve it with a side of flatbread or pita, perfect for dipping into the flavorful sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chickpea & Date Tagine is the perfect balance of rich, earthy chickpeas and sweet, caramelized dates. The spices used in this dish are commonly found in North African cuisine, giving it a deeply aromatic quality that is hard to resist. The texture of the couscous paired with the hearty tagine makes this dish both satisfying and comforting. It’s high in protein, making it a great vegetarian meal choice, and the use of dates offers a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with savory spices.
Try this recipe for your next dinner and take your taste buds on an exotic journey to the heart of Africa!
