Cook this exotic Moroccan tagine (vegetarian)
The Moroccan tagine, named for the earthenware pot it's cooked in, hails from North Africa. This stew is famed for its deep flavors, a result of spice blends and slow cooking. Traditionally featuring meat, our recipe is vegetarian and eggless, welcoming a broader audience. Let's get cooking and savor the rich taste of Morocco in your own kitchen.
Gather the following ingredients
For this dish, gather one large chopped onion, two minced garlic cloves, two sliced carrots, a sliced zucchini, a chopped bell pepper, 400 grams of chickpeas, and the same amount of diced tomatoes. You'll also need three tablespoons of olive oil and a teaspoon each of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and smoked paprika. Have salt and fresh cilantro on hand for seasoning and garnish.
Preparing your vegetables
Start by preparing your vegetables as described in the ingredients list. This step is crucial for ensuring everything cooks evenly within the tagine. If you don't have a traditional tagine pot, a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven will work as well. The key here is slow cooking at a low temperature to meld the flavors together beautifully.
Spice up your dish
Warm the olive oil in a pot over medium heat, then add onions and garlic, sauteing until soft but not browned. Stir in cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and smoked paprika, cooking for a minute to release their aromas. This step is essential for infusing the oil with the spices' flavors, which is fundamental to the dish's overall taste profile.
Combine ingredients and simmer
Add all your prepared vegetables to the pot along with chickpeas and diced tomatoes. Stir well to ensure everything is coated with the spice mixture. Cover with a lid (or foil if using an alternative to a tagine) and reduce heat to low. Allow everything to simmer gently for about 40 minutes or until vegetables are tender but not mushy.
Serve your Moroccan tagine
Once thoroughly cooked, adjust the seasoning with salt to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. This dish is excellent with couscous or crusty bread, perfect for savoring the flavorful juices. This vegetarian Moroccan tagine offers a warm and rich flavor experience, ideal for a satisfying meal that doesn't require meat, eggs, or alcohol, making it suitable for all to enjoy.
