Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 2 zucchinis, chopped
- 1 eggplant, chopped
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Special equipment needed:
- A large tajine or a Dutch oven with a lid
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large tajine or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for a few minutes until softened.
2. Add the chopped bell peppers, zucchinis, and eggplant to the pot and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and all the spices to the pot and stir well to combine.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. While the tajine is simmering, prepare the couscous according to the package instructions.
6. Once the vegetables are cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the tajine over a bed of couscous and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
5. Temperature:
Medium heat for sautéing, low heat for simmering
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 290
Fat: 2.5g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 11g
Fiber: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of bell pepper or squash you prefer.
- If you don't have vegetable broth, you can use chicken or beef broth instead.
- You can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes.
Variations:
- Add some raisins or dried apricots for a sweeter flavor.
- Add some sliced almonds or pine nuts for crunch.
- Use different spices like turmeric, saffron, or harissa for a different flavor profile.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- If you don't have a tajine, you can use a large pot with a lid instead.
- You can also make this recipe in a slow cooker by cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the tajine in a pot over low heat until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the tajine in the center of a large platter and surround it with the cooked couscous. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.
Garnishes:
Chopped cilantro or parsley
Pairings:
- Serve with some crusty bread or pita for dipping.
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Roasted sweet potatoes or carrots.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the tajine is too dry, add more vegetable broth or water.
- If the vegetables are not cooked through, let the tajine simmer for a few more minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender and fully cooked.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
Tajine is a traditional Moroccan dish that is named after the clay pot it is cooked in. It is typically made with meat, vegetables, and spices, and is slow-cooked to allow the flavors to meld together.
Flavor profiles:
This dish has a warm and spicy flavor profile with notes of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. The vegetables add a fresh and slightly sweet flavor to balance out the spices.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this dish as a main course for a vegetarian dinner party or as a side dish for a Moroccan-inspired meal.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Moroccan