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This hearty North African chickpea stew combines aromatic harissa with sweet blistered tomatoes and tender chickpeas for a comforting one-pot meal. Taking just 25 minutes to prepare, it's an ideal choice for busy evenings when you want robust flavor without lengthy cooking. The dish delivers complex taste that belies its quick preparation time.
The magic of this dish lies in the interplay between the spiced harissa and cooling yogurt garnish. When served, the contrast creates an exciting temperature and flavor balance that elevates the entire meal.
Key Ingredients Guide
- Premium Chickpeas - Select large, tender varieties with their cooking liquid for best results
- Harissa Paste - Choose authentic brands, adjusting amount based on heat level
- Cherry Tomatoes - Pick ripe, firm tomatoes for optimal blistering
- Greek Yogurt - Whole milk variety provides the best cooling effect
- Fresh Dill - Adds bright herbal notes to the yogurt topping
The dish develops its signature sauce when the blistered tomatoes break down and merge with the chickpea liquid and harissa, creating a perfectly balanced stew base.
Preparation Method
- Step 1: Prepare Tomatoes
- Heat oil in pan over high heat. Cook tomatoes 5-6 minutes until blistered and slightly charred.
- Step 2: Cook Aromatics
- Reduce heat, add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Step 3: Build the Stew
- Add chickpeas with liquid, simmer until reduced by half.
- Step 4: Season with Harissa
- Remove from heat, stir in harissa, then warm gently to combine flavors.
- Step 5: Mix Yogurt Topping
- Combine garlic, lemon zest, dill, capers and yogurt.
- Step 6: Check Seasoning
- Taste and adjust salt level as needed.
- Step 7: Final Assembly
- Serve hot with yogurt topping and warm bread.
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Perfect Weeknight Solution
This stew turns basic pantry ingredients into a satisfying meal, even on the busiest evenings. The enticing aroma of sizzling spices and tomatoes transforms the cooking experience, making it an enjoyable process rather than a chore. It's the ideal solution for creating a nourishing dinner with minimal effort.
Traditional Origins
Harissa originated in Tunisia as a blend of chilies, garlic, olive oil, and warming spices. This stew honors those traditional flavors while adapting them for the modern kitchen. Each region's unique harissa variation tells a story of local tastes and ingredients, making this dish a celebration of North African culinary heritage.
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Eco-Friendly Option
This plant-based stew offers environmental benefits alongside its satisfying flavors. Chickpeas provide sustainable protein while requiring minimal resources to produce. The streamlined ingredient list helps reduce food waste, as components can be used across multiple recipes throughout the week.
Professional Tips
- Use quality harissa for best flavor impact
- Toast spices before adding liquid
- Don't rush the tomato blistering
- Keep yogurt cold until serving
- Season in layers while cooking
The combination of spicy stew and cooling yogurt creates an addictive contrast that makes this recipe a reliable favorite. It's a testament to how simple ingredients can create exceptional results.
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Serving Suggestions
- Make extra for next-day lunches
- Serve with couscous or quinoa
- Start with less harissa and adjust to taste
- Add toasted nuts for crunch
- Include grilled protein if desired
Recipe Tips & Questions
- → What exactly is harissa?
- It's a chili-based paste from North Africa made with roasted peppers and spices.
- → Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
- It can be! Substitute the yogurt with a plant-based alternative.
- → How much heat does this stew have?
- It's moderately spicy, but you can add more or less harissa to match your preference.
- → Can regular canned chickpeas be used?
- Absolutely, they're fine, though premium chickpeas give a better bite.
- → What are good side options for it?
- Couscous, flatbread, or rice are great pairings.