Vegan Moroccan Delight: A Tagine Recipe to Savour
In the world of Moroccan cuisine, the tagine reigns supreme as a dish that embodies centuries of Arab, Andalusian, and Mediterranean influences. While traditionally cooked with meat, this recipe offers a plant-based twist that captures the essence of Morocco’s vibrant flavours. This Vegan Moroccan Delight Tagine is a colourful, fragrant, and nutritious dish that will transport your taste buds to the bustling markets of Marrakech. Let’s explore the key ingredients and steps to create this tantalizing culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients:
For the Tagine:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
– 250ml vegetable broth
– Handful of dried apricots, chopped
– Handful of green olives
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh coriander, chopped, for garnish
For the Couscous:
– 200g couscous
– 300ml vegetable broth
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Handful of fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Sautee the Aromatics:
– Heat the olive oil in a large tagine pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sauteeing until fragrant and translucent.
2. Spices Infusion:
– Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, and cinnamon, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aromas.
3. Building Flavours:
– Add the chickpeas, carrots, sweet potato, red and yellow bell peppers to the pot, stirring to coat the vegetables in the aromatic spices.
4. Stewing the Tagine:
– Pour in the chopped tomatoes and vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the tagine and let it cook for 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld and the vegetables to soften.
5. Sweet and Savoury Touches:
– Add the dried apricots and green olives to the tagine, season with salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to marry the sweet and savoury notes.
6. Prepare the Couscous:
– In a separate pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in the couscous, remove from heat, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork, then mix in the lemon zest, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.
7. Serving the Vegan Moroccan Delight:
– To serve, spoon the fragrant vegetable tagine over a bed of fluffy couscous. Garnish with fresh chopped coriander for a burst of herbaceous freshness.
A Taste of Morocco on Your Plate
This Vegan Moroccan Delight Tagine offers a delightful fusion of aromatic spices, hearty vegetables, and sweet undertones that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Morocco. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan chef or new to plant-based cooking, this recipe promises a feast for the senses that will transport you to the sun-kissed landscapes of North Africa. Embrace the flavours of the souk with this vibrant and nourishing tagine – a dish that embodies the essence of Moroccan culinary artistry.