Spicy Chickpea Harissa Stew Recipe

Looking for a quick and flavorful meal to spice up your weeknights? Look no further than this Tasty Chickpea Harissa Stew! This North African-inspired dish combines the bold flavors of harissa with sweet cherry tomatoes and hearty chickpeas, creating a mouthwatering stew that’s ready in under 25 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for those busy evenings when you crave something hot, tasty, and satisfying without the long hours in the kitchen.

I recently whipped up this Tasty Chickpea Harissa Stew for some unexpected guests, and let me tell you, they were blown away by how quickly I served up such a flavorful dish. The harmonious blend of spicy harissa, zesty lemon zest, and cooling yogurt creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The magic truly happens as the blistered tomatoes burst, mingling with the chickpea liquid and harissa to form a rich, tangy, and spicy sauce that will have you reaching for seconds. So, if you’re looking to add a touch of North African flair to your dinner table while keeping things simple and delicious, give this Tasty Chickpea Harissa Stew a try!

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy to make in under 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
• Packs big flavors with the spicy kick of harissa, sweet burst tomatoes, and soft chickpeas
• Offers a perfect balance of temperatures and tastes with the mix of spicy harissa and cool herby yogurt
• Environmentally friendly as a plant-based dish, using fewer resources and creating less emissions than meat-based meals

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Chickpea Harissa Stew Recipe Recipe

• Quick and easy to make in under 25 minutes, perfect for busy nights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Big flavors that taste like they’ve been cooking all day, satisfying your taste buds with minimal effort.
• Impressive dish to serve to guests when they drop by unexpectedly, showcasing your culinary skills with minimal preparation time.
• The combination of spicy harissa, sweet burst tomatoes, and soft chickpeas creates a rich, tangy, and spicy sauce that tantalizes your taste buds.
• The contrast between the spicy harissa and the cool herby yogurt creates a perfect balance of temperatures and flavors, making each bite a delightful experience.
• Offers a glimpse into North African and Middle Eastern food culture through the traditional spicy harissa paste, allowing you to explore new flavors and cooking traditions.
• Plant-based recipe that is not only delicious but also environmentally friendly, reducing water usage and emissions compared to meat-based meals.
• Short ingredient list helps minimize food waste, as leftover herbs and harissa can be used to flavor other meals throughout the week, making it a practical and sustainable choice.
• A comforting and flavorful stew that becomes a go-to option for weeknight dinners, making you want to cook it again and again to enjoy the delightful balance of hot harissa and cool yogurt.

Ingredients for Spicy Chickpea Harissa Stew Recipe

Stew

• 2 tbsp harissa paste
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 250g baby plum or cherry tomatoes
• 1 jar Queen Chickpeas including the bean liquid
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Herby Yoghurt

• 3 tsp drained capers
• Zest from 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, grated finely
• 250g Greek yogurt or plant-based option
• 15g dill, chopped small

To Serve

• Cous cous
• Flatbreads, heated up

Pro Tips for Spicy Chickpea Harissa Stew Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To enhance the flavors of the stew, try roasting the cherry tomatoes in the oven before adding them to the dish. Roasting will intensify their sweetness and add a delicious depth to the overall flavor profile.

Pro Tip 2: For a creamier texture and extra richness, stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt just before serving. This will not only add a cooling element to balance the spiciness of the harissa but also create a lovely creamy consistency to the stew.

Pro Tip 3: Don’t discard the liquid from the jar of Queen Chickpeas; this liquid, known as aquafaba, can be used as a vegan egg substitute in baking or whipped into a fluffy meringue. It’s a versatile ingredient that can add a unique touch to your culinary creations beyond this stew.

How to Make Spicy Chickpea Harissa Stew Recipe

Step 1: Cook Tomatoes

Heat oil in a non-stick pan on high heat. Cook tomatoes for 5-6 minutes until charred spots appear. Add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 2: Add Chickpeas

Add chickpeas and their liquid to the pan. Simmer until liquid is reduced by half. Remove from heat, stir in harissa, and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Make Yogurt Sauce

Combine all yogurt mixture ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Serve

Spoon the chickpea mixture into bowls, dollop yogurt on top, and serve with warm flatbreads.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Tasty Chickpea Harissa Stew, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This stew will keep well for up to 3-4 days when properly stored. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the stew and bring it back to the desired consistency, as the chickpeas and tomatoes can thicken as they sit.

For longer storage, you can freeze the stew in a freezer-safe container or resealable bags. Frozen, the stew will maintain its flavors for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer the frozen stew to the refrigerator overnight and then reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through. Freezing may cause a slight change in texture, but the flavors will remain delicious.

Remember to label your containers with the date before storing them in the fridge or freezer to keep track of freshness. This Tasty Chickpea Harissa Stew is a versatile dish that can easily be enjoyed later for quick and satisfying meals when you’re short on time but still craving those vibrant North African flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have harissa paste on hand, you can substitute it with a combination of tomato paste and your preferred chili paste or powder. This will still give the stew a spicy kick and rich flavor similar to harissa. Additionally, if you prefer a milder heat level, you can reduce the amount of chili paste or powder used in the substitution.

For a dairy-free or vegan option, you can replace the Greek yogurt with plant-based yogurt or coconut cream. These alternatives will still provide a creamy and tangy element to the dish while keeping it plant-based. Make sure to choose a plain and unsweetened plant-based yogurt to maintain the savory flavor profile of the stew.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving suggestion, set up a DIY flatbread bar with all the components of the Chickpea Harissa Stew. Arrange bowls of heated flatbreads, couscous, Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt, and the stew itself. Let your guests assemble their own flatbreads by spooning on the stew, adding a dollop of yogurt, and sprinkling with fresh dill and lemon zest. This interactive and customizable meal is perfect for gatherings or family dinners!

To elevate the presentation of the Chickpea Harissa Stew, consider serving it in individual bread bowls. Simply hollow out small round loaves of bread, ladle in the stew, and top with a dollop of yogurt, a sprinkle of capers, and a drizzle of olive oil. Not only does this creative presentation add a rustic charm to the dish, but it also allows your guests to enjoy the stew and the bread together, soaking up all the flavorful juices in each bite.

FAQs for Spicy Chickpea Harissa Stew Recipe

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of baby plum or cherry tomatoes?

Yes, you can use regular tomatoes in this recipe. However, baby plum or cherry tomatoes are recommended for their sweet burst of flavor that adds to the overall taste of the dish.

Can I substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free option?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based option like coconut yogurt or almond yogurt to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

What can I serve with this Chickpea Harissa Stew?

This stew pairs well with heated flatbreads and couscous. The flatbreads can be used for dipping into the flavorful sauce, while couscous can be served on the side to complement the stew.

How can I adjust the spiciness level of the stew?

If you prefer a milder heat, you can reduce the amount of harissa paste used in the recipe. Conversely, if you enjoy spicier dishes, you can add more harissa paste to suit your taste preferences.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed making and savoring this Tasty Chickpea Harissa Stew as much as I do! It’s truly a dish that showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. The blend of flavors and textures in this stew is a delightful surprise that will surely have you coming back for more.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook looking for a quick and satisfying meal or just starting your culinary journey, this Tasty Chickpea Harissa Stew is a must-try. It’s a dish that not only fills your belly but also warms your soul with its vibrant colors and bold flavors. So next time you’re in need of a comforting and delicious meal, remember to whip up a batch of this delightful stew. Happy cooking!