Easy Moroccan Chickpea and Cauliflower Tagine with Ras el Hanout

Introduction

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Morocco with our tantalizing Easy Moroccan Chickpea and Cauliflower Tagine with Ras el Hanout. This aromatic stew combines tender chickpeas, succulent cauliflower, and a symphony of warm spices, creating a culinary masterpiece that will transport you to the heart of North Africa. Whether you're a seasoned cook or embarking on your first culinary adventure, this delectable dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Tagine:

• 1 15-ounce can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 small head of cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized florets
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of ras el hanout
• 1 cup of vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Garnish (Optional):

• Sliced almonds
• Chopped fresh parsley

Steps

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Heat some olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add the Spices: Sprinkle the ground ginger, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), and ras el hanout over the vegetables. Stir to coat and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aroma.

3. Incorporate the Chickpeas and Cauliflower: Drain and rinse the chickpeas and add them to the skillet along with the chopped cauliflower florets. Stir well to combine.

4. Pour in the Vegetable Broth: Add 1 cup of vegetable broth to the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and the chickpeas are heated through.

5. Season and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and season the tagine to taste with salt and black pepper. Serve hot, garnished with sliced almonds and chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips

• Enhance the Flavor: For a richer flavor, use homemade vegetable broth or add a splash of white wine to the tagine.
• Adjust the Spices: Adjust the amount of spices used to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
• Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the tagine, such as carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Serve with Couscous or Bread: Traditionally, tagines are served with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the tagine ahead of time and reheat it before serving for even deeper flavors.

FAQs

Q: Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned chickpeas?
A: Yes, you can. However, remember to soak the dried chickpeas overnight and cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the tagine.

Q: Is ras el hanout spicy?
A: Ras el hanout is a blend of spices, and its spiciness varies depending on the specific blend used. It typically has a warm, aromatic flavor rather than being intensely spicy.

Q: Can I make this tagine vegan?
A: Yes, to make this tagine vegan, omit the sliced almonds and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.