Easy Moroccan Chickpea Tagine with Apricots and Almonds

Introduction

Embark on a culinary journey to Morocco with our tantalizing Easy Moroccan Chickpea Tagine with Apricots and Almonds. This authentic dish, bursting with aromatic spices and tender ingredients, will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Marrakech. With its vibrant colors and captivating flavors, this tagine is perfect for a cozy dinner party or a flavorful weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavors as you gather the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup dried apricots, halved
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Steps

Step into the kitchen and embark on a culinary adventure with these simple steps:

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Spice it up: Add ginger, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, and cayenne pepper (if desired) to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 1 minute to release their aromatic flavors.

3. Incorporate the chickpeas: Pour in the drained chickpeas and stir to coat them in the spices. Add vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the chickpeas are tender.

4. Add the apricots and almonds: Stir in the dried apricots and chopped almonds. Allow them to simmer in the tagine sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until the apricots have softened and the almonds are toasted.

5. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in fresh cilantro. Serve the Easy Moroccan Chickpea Tagine with Apricots and Almonds hot over rice or your favorite couscous.

Tips

• For extra depth of flavor: Use homemade vegetable broth instead of store-bought broth for a richer and more flavorful tagine.

• Customize the heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired level of spiciness.

• Add other vegetables: Feel free to experiment by adding other chopped vegetables such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the tagine for added nutrition and flavor.

FAQs

What is a tagine?

A tagine is a traditional Moroccan stew that combines meat or vegetables with spices and is slowly cooked in a conical-shaped earthenware pot.

Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried apricots?

Yes, you can use fresh apricots if they are in season. Simply halve and pit the fresh apricots before adding them to the tagine.

How do I store the Moroccan Chickpea Tagine?

Store the Moroccan Chickpea Tagine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it thoroughly over medium heat before serving.