Vegetarian > African > Moroccan

Chickpea and Spinach Tajine Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds

Special equipment needed:
- Tajine or large skillet with lid

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a tajine or large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne pepper and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid.
6. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add the spinach, cilantro, parsley, and apricots. Stir to combine.
8. Cover with the lid and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted.
9. Serve hot, garnished with toasted almonds.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for cooking
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 280
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 11g
Fiber: 10g
Sodium: 670mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of canned beans instead of chickpeas.
- You can use vegetable or chicken stock instead of vegetable broth.
- You can use dried cranberries or raisins instead of dried apricots.
- You can use any type of nuts instead of almonds.

Variations:
- You can add cooked chicken or lamb to make it a meat-based dish.
- You can add other vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, or zucchini.
- You can add more spices such as turmeric or cardamom.

Tips and tricks:
- Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
- Serve with couscous or rice to make it a complete meal.
- You can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it before serving.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a tajine or a large serving bowl.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or more toasted almonds.

Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley
- Toasted almonds

Pairings:
- Serve with couscous or rice.
- Serve with a side salad.

Suggested side dishes:
- Couscous
- Rice
- Salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dish is too dry, add more vegetable broth or water.
- If the dish is too watery, remove the lid and cook for a few more minutes until the liquid has reduced.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the dish to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
- Tajine is a traditional Moroccan dish that is named after the earthenware pot it is cooked in.

Flavor profiles:
- The dish has a warm and spicy flavor from the combination of cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne pepper.
- The chickpeas and spinach add a nutty and earthy flavor to the dish.
- The dried apricots add a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
- Serve as a side dish for a Moroccan-themed meal.

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Region: Moroccan

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Earthy, Herbal