Recipe: Cook this delectable Moroccan chickpea stew at home
Moroccan chickpea stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that hails from North Africa. It's known for its rich spices and satisfying nature, often enjoyed as a comfort food during cooler months. This vegetarian stew has gained popularity worldwide for its health benefits and ease of preparation. Ready to savor the taste of Morocco? Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For this Moroccan chickpea stew, gather one cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight), two tablespoons of olive oil, a large chopped onion, minced garlic from two cloves, one teaspoon cumin, half a teaspoon each of cinnamon and turmeric, a 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes, three cups vegetable broth, a sliced zucchini, one chopped red bell pepper, and salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Prepare your base
Begin by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, cooking until it's translucent. Stir in minced garlic, a teaspoon of cumin, and half a teaspoon each of cinnamon and turmeric. Cook for two minutes, or until the mixture is fragrant, to establish the flavor base for the Moroccan chickpea stew.
Incorporate main ingredients
Drain the chickpeas that have been soaked overnight and add them to your pot. Include the diced tomatoes and the vegetable broth. Stir these ingredients together, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat for a simmer. Partially cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for roughly 30 minutes, or until the chickpeas become tender.
Add vegetables
When the chickpeas are nearly tender, add the zucchini slices and red bell pepper chunks to the pot. Season the stew with salt and pepper to your liking. Continue to simmer the mixture without a lid for an additional 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through yet retain a bit of firmness. This step will ensure they're perfectly tender but not overdone.
Final touches
Once the ingredients are fully cooked, remove the pot from the burner. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Then, serve the stew warm, dishing it into bowls. Garnish each with fresh cilantro leaves, offering a pop of color and a fresh flavor note. This simple yet aromatic garnish completes your Moroccan chickpea stew, making it a feast for the senses.
