North African Chickpeas Recipes

1-POT CHICKPEA SHAKSHUKA

Steps:

• Heat a large rimmed metal or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add olive oil, onion, bell pepper and garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until soft and fragrant.
• Add tomato puree or diced tomatoes, tomato paste, coconut sugar, sea salt, paprika, cumin, chili powder, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (optional), cardamom, and coriander (optional). Stir to combine.
• Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add chickpeas and olives (optional). Stir to combine. Then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and marry with the beans.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more cumin or paprika for smokiness, cayenne for heat, coconut sugar for sweetness, cardamom and coriander for earthiness (or slight curry flavor), chili powder for smoke/heat, or olives for saltiness and to balance the tomato flavor. Cook longer, as needed, to develop flavors.
• Serve as is or with bread, pasta, or rice. I loved this alongside a kale salad, and it went especially well over gluten-free pasta! Garnish with fresh lemon juice, additional olives, and cilantro or parsley for extra flavor (optional).
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 4 days or in the freezer up to 1 month. Reheat on the stovetop until completely warmed through.

NORTH AFRICAN CHICKEN AND CHICKPEAS SHEET PAN DINNER

Steps:

• Position a rack in the top third of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Lay the lemon slices in an even layer on one side of the baking sheet. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the lemon slices and brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle the chicken thighs with berbere, chili powder, ground cumin, and some salt and pepper. Place the carrots in the center of the baking sheet (leaving an empty space on the other side) and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, the za'atar and some salt. Toss to coat and top with the whole cinnamon stick.
• Roast until the carrots are almost completely tender and the chicken thighs are crispy on top and almost cooked through, 40 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and add the chickpeas to empty space, tossing with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and some salt and pepper; spread into an even layer.
• Roast until the chicken has brown, crisp skin and reads an internal temperature of 160 degrees F, the carrots are completely tender and browned in spots, and the chickpeas are warmed through, about 5 minutes more. Discard cinnamon stick. Divide the chicken and vegetables between two plates and serve with the pan juices drizzled over.

NORTH AFRICAN CHICKPEAS

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the onion, garlic, ginger, and wine or sherry. Cover and sweat over low heat for 5 minutes. Add the cumin, cinnamon, paprika, and red pepper flakes and cook, uncovered, 1 minute longer. Add the water or chickpea cooking liquid, salt, sweet potatoes, and apricots. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer until the sweet potatoes are just tender, about 15 minutes.
• Add the chickpeas, raisins, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until the chickpeas are hot. Add the sliced almonds.

TUNISIAN CHICKPEA STEW WITH HARISSA

Steps:

• In a large heavy bottom pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the onion, and saute 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Lower heat to medium, add the carrots and garlic, thyme and salt and pepper and sauté 6-7 minutes, stirring often.
• Add the cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, fennel seeds and tomato paste, and saute until the paste darkens about 2 minutes.
• Add the tomatoes and wine. Bring to a boil, scraping up the brown bits. Reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
• Add the broth or stock.
• Add the chickpeas, kale and carrot tops, bring to a simmer, and simmer on med-low heat 10-15 minutes.
• Taste for salt, adjust and add more if necessary.
• Swirl a teaspoon of harissa paste at a time for added flavor ( Alternatively, you could add it to individual bowls)
• To serve, divide among bowls and either drizzle with olive oil, or swirl in yogurt, and a little more harissa to taste. Serve with crusty bread.
• To make the Quick Harissa Paste- Place oil and vinegar in a blender, then gradually add spices, salt and garlic until all is blended well. Store in a jar in the fridge- up to 2 weeks. Makes ¾ cup.