Recipe: This Moroccan vegetable tagine will surely impress your guests
The Moroccan vegetable tagine, originating from North Africa, is a traditional stew named for the earthenware pot it is cooked in. This dish is rich in history and mirrors the vibrant flavors and aromatic spices of Moroccan cuisine. It is a hearty, plant-based meal that's ideal for those eager to explore international tastes. Ready to dive into a world of flavor? Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For this dish, you'll need a large onion, two garlic cloves, one red and yellow bell pepper, two carrots, a zucchini, a cup of butternut squash, a can each of chickpeas, some fresh diced tomatoes, one teaspoon each of spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika, half a teaspoon of cayenne, salt to taste, and some fresh cilantro.
Prepare your vegetables
Start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic finely. Then, proceed to cut both the red and yellow bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Next, peel the carrots and slice them into half-moon shapes. Cube the zucchini and butternut squash to similar dimensions for uniform cooking. These steps ensure that each vegetable will absorb the spices evenly, creating a perfectly harmonious flavor profile.
Spice up your dish
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or tagine over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until soft and aromatic. Next, blend in the spices cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, and cayenne. Cook for a minute to enhance their fragrances. Then, carefully mix in the prepared vegetables, ensuring they are well-coated with the spice mixture.
Simmer to perfection
After mixing in your vegetables with the spices for a few minutes, add the diced tomatoes with their juice along with two cups of vegetable broth or water. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to low. Cover your pot or tagine and let it simmer gently for about 25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Final touches
Once the vegetables are tender, fold in the chickpeas for added protein and texture. Adjust the salt to your taste at this point. Let the tagine simmer for five more minutes to ensure everything is well-heated. Serve your flavorful stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, and enjoy with couscous or crusty bread for a complete Moroccan experience.
