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Harissa Chickpea Stew Recipe

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4.2 from 15 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Harissa Chickpea Stew featuring aromatic spices, tender chickpeas, and a smoky harissa tomato base. This comforting dish is perfect for a warming meal and is easily customizable with garnishes like fresh herbs and toasted almonds.

Ingredients

Stew

  • 30 ml / 2 tbsp olive oil, more if liked
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp harissa paste, adjust to taste
  • 2 x 400 g / 14 oz canned tomatoes (peeled plum recommended)
  • 2 x 400 g / 14 oz canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 5 ml / 1 tsp sugar or sweetener (such as date syrup), optional

To Serve

  • Chopped parsley or coriander/cilantro
  • Toasted almond flakes
  • Crusty bread, for serving (optional)
  • Pan-fried vegan sausages, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat oil and sauté onion: Heat 30 ml (2 tbsp) of olive oil in a large casserole pan over low heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté gently until softened, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  2. Add garlic and season: Add the chopped garlic cloves to the pan and continue to sauté on low heat until the garlic loses its raw sharpness. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Introduce spices and harissa paste: Stir in ground cumin, smoked paprika, and harissa paste to coat the onion and garlic evenly. Cook on low heat for 30 to 60 seconds to release the spice aromas.
  4. Add tomatoes and water: Pour in the canned tomatoes (crushing the plum tomatoes with a potato masher before adding is recommended). Add some salt and approximately one can's worth of water to the pan to loosen the sauce.
  5. Simmer the tomato sauce: Increase the heat to medium and simmer the mixture for about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add a splash of water if the stew becomes too thick or dry. Continue until tomato chunks break down and the sauce thickens.
  6. Add chickpeas and warm through: Add the drained and rinsed canned chickpeas to the pan. Stir well and allow the chickpeas to heat through within the stew.
  7. Final seasoning adjustments: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as desired. If the tomatoes are not sweet enough, add a teaspoon of sugar or a natural sweetener like date syrup to balance the flavors.
  8. Serve and garnish: Divide the stew into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or coriander and sprinkle toasted almond flakes on top. Serve with crusty bread and optionally with pan-fried vegan sausages for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a milder stew, reduce the amount of harissa paste.
  • Crushing the canned plum tomatoes helps create a smoother sauce consistency.
  • This stew tastes better the next day as flavors develop, so refrigerate leftovers overnight.
  • Adding a sweetener balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • Use freshly toasted almond flakes for the best texture and flavor.
  • Vegan sausages add extra protein and make the dish more filling.

Find it online: https://cookedbygrace.com/harissa-chickpea-stew-recipe/