International > African > Tunisia > Vegetable

Tunisian-Style Vegetable Tajine Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Special equipment needed:
- Tajine or large skillet with lid

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a tajine or large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, ginger, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, sweet potato, carrots, zucchini, apricots, raisins, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
5. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for cooking
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 320
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 9g
Fiber: 12g
Sugar: 32g
Sodium: 470mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of dried fruit instead of apricots, such as dates or figs.
- If you don't have vegetable broth, you can use chicken or beef broth instead.
- You can use any type of winter squash instead of sweet potato, such as butternut or acorn squash.

Variations:
- Add 1 cup of cooked couscous to the tajine before serving.
- Add 1 cup of cooked chicken or lamb to the tajine for a meat version.
- Use different spices to change the flavor profile, such as turmeric, cardamom, or allspice.

Tips and tricks:
- If using a tajine, make sure to soak it in water for at least 1 hour before using to prevent cracking.
- You can also cook this tajine in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
- Serve with crusty bread or pita for dipping.

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

Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve in the tajine with chopped cilantro on top for a rustic presentation.

Garnishes:
Chopped cilantro

Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad of mixed greens and a lemon vinaigrette.
- Pair with a glass of red wine, such as a Syrah or Grenache.

Suggested side dishes:
- Couscous
- Crusty bread or pita
- Roasted vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the tajine is too dry, add more vegetable broth or water.
- If the tajine is too watery, remove the lid and cook on high heat until the liquid has reduced.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the vegetables until tender to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
Tajine is a traditional North African dish that is named after the earthenware pot it is cooked in. It is typically made with meat, vegetables, and spices and is slow-cooked to develop a rich flavor.

Flavor profiles:
This Tunisian-style vegetable tajine is sweet and savory with a hint of spice from the cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper. The dried apricots and raisins add a touch of sweetness to the dish.

Serving suggestions:
Serve this tajine as a main dish for a vegetarian meal or as a side dish for a meat-based meal.

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Region: Tunisian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Earthy, Aromatic