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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
