Easy Moroccan Chickpea and Sweet Potato Tagine with Apricots and Almonds

Introduction

Embark on a culinary adventure with this tantalizing Moroccan Chickpea and Sweet Potato Tagine with Apricots and Almonds. This hearty and flavorful dish blends the vibrant spices of Morocco with the natural sweetness of apricots and the nutty crunch of almonds, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup dried apricots
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

Steps

1. Prepare the Tagine: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

2. Add the Ingredients: Add the chickpeas, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and apricots to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.

3. Finishing Touches: Stir in the almonds and cook for 5 minutes more, or until toasted and fragrant. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Tips

• Enhance the Flavor: For a richer flavor, marinate the sweet potatoes in a mixture of honey, olive oil, and spices overnight before adding them to the tagine.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or green bell peppers to the tagine for extra nutrition.
• Serve with Sides: Traditionally, tagines are served with couscous or bread for dipping. You can also serve this dish with rice or a side salad.

FAQ

• Can I use canned chickpeas? Yes, you can use canned chickpeas for convenience. Simply drain and rinse them before adding them to the tagine.
• What is a substitute for apricots? Peaches or prunes can be used as a substitute for apricots.
• Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, this dish is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free bread or couscous.