Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Cooked couscous or rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
a. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
b. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add Spices:
a. Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground paprika, ground cinnamon, ground turmeric, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir to coat the onions and spices evenly. Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
3. Add Vegetables:
a. Add the diced red and yellow bell peppers, as well as the diced carrots. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
4. Incorporate Tomatoes and Chickpeas:
a. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and add the drained and rinsed chickpeas. Stir well to combine.
5. Pour in Broth and Lentils:
a. Add the vegetable broth and rinsed red lentils to the pot. Stir everything together.
6. Simmer:
a. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
7. Season and Finish:
a. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice for a refreshing twist. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
8. Serve:
a. Ladle the Moroccan Chickpea Stew into bowls. Optionally, serve it over cooked couscous or rice for a heartier meal.
9. Garnish:
a. Garnish each serving with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
10. Enjoy!
a. Serve your Moroccan Chickpea Stew hot and savor the aromatic blend of spices and the hearty combination of chickpeas and lentils. It’s a satisfying, plant-based meal with Moroccan flair.
This Moroccan Chickpea Stew is both comforting and nutritious, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Enjoy the rich flavors and warming spices!