Embark on a culinary adventure to Morocco with this vibrant and aromatic Aubergine Chickpea Tagine! Bursting with flavors from warm spices and fresh ingredients, this hearty dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a delightful way to introduce plant-based goodness into your meals. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this tagine is a true crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 40 minutes. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Let’s dive into the recipe that will transport you straight to the bustling markets of Marrakech!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Moroccan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large aubergine, diced
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the large aubergine into bite-sized cubes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves. Rinse and drain the chickpeas and set them aside. This will help streamline the cooking process.
- In a large tagine or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Now, add the diced aubergine to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the aubergine starts to soften and becomes slightly golden.
- Sprinkle in the ground cumin, ground cinnamon, and paprika. Stir the spices into the mixture, allowing them to toast slightly for about 1 minute, which will enhance their flavors.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices, and add the drained and rinsed chickpeas. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Season the tagine with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld and the aubergine to become tender.
- After 20 minutes, check the consistency of the tagine. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Once the aubergine is tender and the flavors are well combined, remove the pot from the heat. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- To serve, ladle the Moroccan Aubergine Chickpea Tagine into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. This dish pairs beautifully with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To make the cooking process smoother, prepare all your ingredients in advance. Chop the aubergine, onion, and garlic, and rinse the chickpeas before you start cooking.
- Choosing the Right Pot: While a traditional tagine pot is ideal, any heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven will work just as well. The key is to maintain even heat for perfect cooking.
- Enhance the Flavors: Don’t skip toasting the spices! Adding the cumin, cinnamon, and paprika to the hot oil before adding other ingredients will elevate the dish's flavor profile.
- Adjusting Consistency: If your tagine looks too thick towards the end of cooking, simply add a splash of water or vegetable broth to achieve your desired consistency.
- Serving Suggestions: This tagine pairs wonderfully with fluffy couscous or crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the rich, flavorful sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
