I remember the first time I tried tagine. It was at a small Moroccan restaurant tucked away on a side street during my backpacking trip through Europe. The aromas alone were intoxicating—a complex blend of spices I couldn't quite place. I ordered a carrot and chickpea tagine, and with the first bite, I was transported. The sweetness of the carrots, the earthiness of the chickpeas, and the warmth of the spices created a symphony of flavors that danced on my tongue. I knew I had to recreate it at home. Years later, after much experimentation, I’ve developed my own version. It's not quite the same as that first tagine, but it evokes similar memories of that special evening. Trust me, it's worth trying!
This Spiced Carrot and Chickpea Tagine with Yogurt Sauce is a celebration of warm, comforting flavors. It's a dish that's both hearty and healthy, perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. The tagine is packed with sweet carrots, protein-rich chickpeas, and a blend of aromatic spices that will tantalize your taste buds. The creamy yogurt sauce adds a cooling contrast to the spiced tagine, creating a perfectly balanced meal. You can serve it over couscous, quinoa, or even just enjoy it on its own with some warm pita bread.
Required Equipments
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender or food processor
Spiced Carrot and Chickpea Tagine with Yogurt Sauce: Frequently Asked Questions
Spiced Carrot and Chickpea Tagine with Yogurt Sauce
This Spiced Carrot and Chickpea Tagine is a flavorful, healthy, and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Served with a creamy yogurt sauce, it's a delightful vegetarian meal.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- First, get all your ingredients prepped. Chop the onions, carrots, and garlic. Measure out all the spices and set them aside. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me, it helps!
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they're softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Don't rush this step – softened onions form the base of a flavourful tagine.
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant. The aroma should fill your kitchen with warm, spicy notes.
- Add the chopped carrots and stir to coat them with the spice mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the carrots to start softening slightly. I love the vibrant colour the carrots bring to the dish.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, and chickpeas. Stir everything together well. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
- While the tagine is simmering, prepare the yogurt sauce. In a small bowl, combine the plain yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro or parsley, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside. This sauce adds a lovely cooling element to the spiced tagine.
- After 30 minutes, check the tagine. The carrots should be tender and the sauce should have thickened slightly. If the tagine seems too dry, add a little more vegetable broth. If it's too watery, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes.
- Taste the tagine and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavours.
- To serve, spoon the tagine over a bed of couscous or quinoa. Drizzle generously with the yogurt sauce and garnish with extra chopped cilantro or parsley. A sprinkle of toasted almonds or sesame seeds adds a nice crunch. Serve hot and enjoy!
📝 Notes
- For a sweeter tagine, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
- If you don't have fresh ginger, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 15g
Calcium: 150mg
