Vegetarian Moroccan Tagine

Traditional clay tagine pot.

Image courtesy of Flickr user jim_j1

Tagine is the name of both the cooking vessel and the entree (kind of like our word for “casserole”). The entree tagine usually is made with tougher cuts of meat (lamb, beef) slowly simmered in a spicy sauce. This version replaces the meat with garbanzo beans and cauliflower. Cutting up all the vegetables and measuring all the spices in separate bowls before turning on the stove saves much time and frustration.

 

2 tbs. olive oil (or enough to coat bottom of pan)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 tbs.)
2 14.5-oz. cans chickpeas (do NOT drain – keep the liquid in the can)
1/2 head of cauliflower florets
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into thin rounds  (or handful of cut baby carrots)
3/4 tsp. ground turmeric
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper (or to taste)
1/4 cup raisins
2 tsp. honey
1/2 cup plain Greek-style yogurt
3 Tbs. finely chopped cilantro

Heat oil in a large skillet or braising pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté 2 to 3 minutes, or until onion is soft. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in chickpeas (including liquid), carrots, and all the spices (tumeric, cinnamon, cumin, red pepper). Cover and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add honey, raisins, and season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Garnish each serving with a dollop of yogurt (or omit if vegan), and sprinkle with cilantro if desired. Serve over couscous or rice or by itself to keep it gluten-free. Freezes very well. Best if eaten the next day so the spices can seep into the ingredients.