How to Make the Perfect Moroccan Chickpea Stew with Harissa
Moroccan · Medium · 45 min · 4 servings
This bold and spicy Moroccan-inspired stew combines chickpeas with harissa paste and warm spices for a deeply flavorful one-pot meal. It is a comforting and nourishing dish that is equally good served with crusty bread or over couscous.
Why this recipe works
This Moroccan Chickpea Stew with Harissa recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 290 calories with 11g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cans chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 medium red bell pepper diced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the harissa paste and ground cumin, stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices and bloom the harissa.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir everything together well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and the flavors to begin melding together.
Step 3: Simmer the Chickpeas
Add the drained chickpeas to the pot and stir to coat them fully in the spiced tomato sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the stew uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the chickpeas have absorbed the flavors.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and additional harissa if you prefer more heat. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh chopped cilantro, a dollop of plain yogurt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with warm crusty bread or couscous.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- harissa paste → a combination of tomato paste and chili flakes provides a similar heat and depth if harissa is not available
- vegetable broth → water with a teaspoon of soy sauce can substitute in a pinch though the flavor will be less rich
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using too little harissa and ending up with a bland stew that lacks the bold characteristic flavor of this dish
- Not simmering the stew long enough which means the chickpeas do not absorb the sauce and the flavors remain separate
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 290 calories, 11g protein, 40g carbs, 9g fat, 10g fiber.
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