Moroccan Spicy Bean Puree Recipes

MOROCCAN CHICKPEAS WITH CHARD

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large pot over high heat. Add onion and jalapeño and sauté until limp, 3 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, salt, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, cumin, black pepper and cayenne and sauté until they release their fragrance, about 2 minutes. Add tomato paste and sauté for another minute, until darkened but not burned. (If tomato paste looks too dark too quickly, lower heat.)
• Add fennel, chard stems, carrot and turnip and continue to sauté until vegetables start to soften, about 10 minutes. Add chickpeas and water to barely cover.
• Return heat to high if you lowered it and bring to a simmer. Partly cover pot, lower heat to medium low, and simmer for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until chickpeas are softened. Add more water if needed (this should be like a stew).
• Add chard leaves, apricots and preserved lemon to pot and continue simmering until chard is tender, about 5 minutes longer. Season with more salt if desired, and serve garnished with cilantro and reserved fennel fronds.

MOROCCAN SPICY BEAN PUREE

Steps:

• Sort, rinse, soak and cook the beans overnight.
• In the morning strain off the water.
• Put the beans in a pot along with water and cook for 45 minutes.
• Drain off water and save back 1 cup of bean stock.
• In medium-size pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
• When hot, add onions and garlic and saute until the onions are translucent.
• Add the paprika, red pepper and cumin.
• Saute 2-3 minutes.
• Stir in the beans, stock, lemon juice, salt and pepper and mix thoroughly.
• Pour the mixture into a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
• Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.