Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Morocco! This mouthwatering Vegan Moroccan Chickpea Skillet is not just a meal – it's an experience that proves plant-based cooking can be incredibly exciting, packed with bold flavors, and ridiculously easy to prepare. Whether you're a seasoned vegan, a curious foodie, or simply looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Moroccan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by draining and rinsing the chickpeas, chopping the bell pepper, dicing the onion, and mincing the garlic.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the diced onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Introduce the chopped bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Sprinkle cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the vegetables, stirring to distribute the spices evenly.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and stir to combine all ingredients.
- Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the skillet, gently mixing them into the vegetable and tomato mixture.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to preference.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve hot, optionally with rice, couscous, or crusty bread as an accompaniment.
Tips
- Spice is Nice: Don't be afraid to adjust the spices. Moroccan cuisine is all about bold flavors, so feel free to experiment with additional spices like ras el hanout or a pinch of harissa for extra kick.
- Chickpea Pro Tip: For the best texture, make sure to drain and rinse your chickpeas thoroughly. Pat them dry to ensure they absorb the flavors and get slightly crispy edges.
- Freshness Matters: Use fresh garlic and recently purchased spices to maximize the depth of flavor in your dish.
- Garnish Game: The fresh parsley isn't just for looks – it adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the rich, spicy flavors. Chop it finely just before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: While delicious on its own, this skillet pairs perfectly with fluffy couscous, warm pita bread, or a simple rice pilaf to soak up all those amazing sauces.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dish actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance for meal prep or leftovers.
- Customize Your Skillet: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or eggplant to make the dish even more nutritious and colorful.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
