Vibrant Vegetable Tagine: A Delight
A Little Story
Tagine is a traditional North African dish, named after the earthenware pot in which it is cooked. This dish is slow-cooked and rich in flavors, combining a variety of vegetables with aromatic spices. It’s a warm and comforting meal, ideal for family dinners or gatherings. The beauty of a vegetable tagine lies in its versatility and the way it brings simple ingredients to life with its unique blend of spices.
Ingredients
For the Tagine:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 large carrot, sliced
1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, sliced
1 can (14.5 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/4 cup raisins or dried apricots, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Toasted almond slices (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Chop the onion, garlic, carrot, sweet potato, bell pepper, and zucchini. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the Spices:
Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, ground ginger, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
4. Add the Vegetables:
Add the sliced carrot, cubed sweet potato, chopped bell pepper, and sliced zucchini to the pot. Stir to coat the vegetables with the spice mixture.
5. Simmer the Tagine:
Pour in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and raisins or dried apricots. Add the drained chickpeas. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Serve:
Spoon the vegetable tagine into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and toasted almond slices. Serve hot with couscous, rice, or flatbread.
Perfect Pairings
Beverage: This vegetable tagine pairs wonderfully with a light, fruity white wine like Riesling or a chilled glass of Moroccan mint tea. For a non-alcoholic option, try a glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon.
Serving Tips: Serve the tagine with fluffy couscous, rice, or warm flatbread to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of fresh salad with a citrus vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the tagine.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 15g
Cooking Shortcuts and Tips
1. Pre-chopped Vegetables: Use pre-chopped onions, bell peppers, and carrots from the grocery store to save time on prep.
2. Slow Cooker Option: For an even easier method, sauté the onions, garlic, and spices as directed, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Make Ahead: The flavors of the tagine deepen over time. Make it ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months.
4. Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like eggplant, spinach, or peas to boost the nutritional value and stretch the recipe further.
