Make this delicious vegetarian Moroccan tagine at home
The Moroccan tagine, named after the pot it's cooked in, is a North African stew that's a staple of Moroccan hospitality and cuisine. Known for its rich flavors, the vegetarian version is a slow-cooked medley of spices, vegetables, and dried fruits. This dish embodies tradition and offers a hearty vegetarian option. Let's begin cooking to bring the authentic taste of Morocco to your table.
Gather the following ingredients
For the feast, assemble one large onion, two garlic cloves, two carrots, a zucchini, and a bell pepper. Include 400 grams of chickpeas and diced tomatoes, 75 grams of chopped apricots, 600 milliliters of vegetable stock, spices like two teaspoons cumin, one teaspoon each cinnamon and ginger, half a teaspoon turmeric, salt to taste, and cilantro for garnish.
Preparing the vegetables
Begin by thoroughly washing all the vegetables to remove any impurities. Next, peel the onion and garlic, finely chopping them to ensure they blend well with the spices. Peel the carrots and cut them into small, bite-sized chunks. Follow by doing the same with the zucchini and bell pepper, cutting them into similar-sized pieces for uniform cooking and optimal spice absorption.
Spicing it up
In a large tagine or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil followed by the chopped onions and garlic. Saute until they start to soften but not brown. Stir in all the spices - cumin, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric - allowing them to toast slightly with the onions for about two minutes until aromatic.
Adding vegetables and simmering
Add your prepared vegetables to the pot along with drained chickpeas and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Mix well so that everything is coated in spices. Pour in vegetable stock until all ingredients are just covered. Bring to a simmer then reduce heat to low; cover with a lid or foil if you're not using an actual tagine pot.
Final touches and serving
Allow your tagine to gently simmer for about an hour or until vegetables are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally if needed but try not to lift the lid too often as it lets out steam that helps cooking. In the last 10 minutes of cooking time, add chopped apricots for sweetness; adjust seasoning with salt as desired.
