International Cuisine > African Cuisine > North African Dishes > Tagine Recipes (Various Types)

Vegetable Tagine with Chickpeas and Couscous

A flavorful and healthy vegetarian tagine packed with seasonal vegetables, chickpeas, and aromatic spices, served with fluffy couscous.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Servings
4-6
Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 large, chopped Onion
  • 3 cloves, minced Garlic
  • 1 inch, grated Ginger
  • 2 medium, peeled and chopped Carrots
  • 2 medium, chopped Zucchini
  • 1 medium, chopped Eggplant
  • 1 medium, peeled and chopped Sweet potato
  • 400 g, canned, drained and rinsed Chickpeas
  • 400 g, canned Diced tomatoes
  • 500 ml Vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp Ras el Hanout
  • 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp Cumin
  • 2 tbsp, chopped Cilantro
  • 2 tbsp, chopped Parsley
  • 200 g Couscous
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper

Preparing the Vegetables

Wash and chop all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Sautéing Aromatics

In a tagine or a large pot with a heavy bottom, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Adding Vegetables

Add the carrots and sweet potato to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add the zucchini and eggplant and cook for another 5 minutes. This will help to soften the harder vegetables.

Adding Spices and Liquid

Stir in the Ras el Hanout, cinnamon, turmeric, and cumin. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, chickpeas, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.

Simmering the Tagine

Cover the tagine (or pot) and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Check occasionally and add more broth if needed.

Preparing the Couscous

While the tagine is simmering, prepare the couscous according to package directions. Typically, this involves pouring boiling water or broth over the couscous, covering it, and letting it sit for about 5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.

Finishing Touches

Once the vegetables are tender, taste the tagine and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in the chopped cilantro and parsley.

Serving

Fluff the couscous with a fork. Serve the Vegetable Tagine hot over a bed of couscous. Garnish with extra cilantro and parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts (Estimated per 100g): Calories: ~90kcal, Protein: ~4g, Fat: ~3g, Carbohydrates: ~14g, Fiber: ~3g. Please note that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used.

Other Important Considerations for Nutrition: This tagine is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the vegetables. Chickpeas provide plant-based protein and additional fiber. Be mindful of the sodium content, especially if using canned chickpeas and store-bought vegetable broth. Adjust salt accordingly. Consider using low-sodium broth and rinsing the chickpeas thoroughly.

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FAQ

  • Can I use other vegetables?

    Yes, feel free to use other vegetables that are in season or that you enjoy, such as bell peppers, butternut squash, or green beans. Adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the vegetable.
  • Can I add meat to this tagine?

    Yes, you can add meat such as lamb or chicken. Brown the meat before adding the vegetables, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Can I make this tagine ahead of time?

    Yes, the tagine can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. The flavors will meld together even more over time.