Experience the rich and aromatic flavors of North African cuisine with this effortless slow cooker tagine. Combining tender sweet potatoes, hearty chickpeas, and a blend of warm spices, this dish offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, perfect for a comforting meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Simply add all ingredients to your slow cooker and let it work its magic—minimal hands-on time required.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with vegetables and plant-based protein from chickpeas, this tagine is both healthy and satisfying.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pairs wonderfully with couscous, rice, or warm flatbreads, making it adaptable to your preferences.
- Vegan-Friendly: Completely plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians alike.
Ingredients
- 1 onion
- 1 medium sweet potato
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 medium aubergine (eggplant)
- 400g tin chickpeas, drained (approximately 1 ¼ cups when drained)
- 400g tinned tomatoes (approximately 1 ⅓ cups)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Black pepper
- To serve: couscous, yogurt (soy yogurt if vegan), fresh mint
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Peel the onion and sweet potato. Cut the onion, sweet potato, red bell pepper, and aubergine into 1-inch chunks.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place the chopped vegetables into your slow cooker. Add the drained chickpeas, tinned tomatoes, ground cumin, ground turmeric, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours, stirring once halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Once the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together, serve the tagine over couscous. Top with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh mint for added freshness.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours and 10 minutes
Variations
- Protein Addition: For extra protein, consider adding cubed tofu or seitan to the slow cooker.
- Different Vegetables: Incorporate other hearty vegetables like carrots, butternut squash, or potatoes to vary the texture and flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh chili if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Dried Fruits: Traditional tagines often include dried fruits. Add a handful of chopped dried apricots or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the tagine to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Place cooled tagine in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
FAQs
What is a tagine?
A tagine is a North African stew named after the conical earthenware pot in which it's traditionally cooked. The unique shape of the pot helps circulate steam, tenderizing the ingredients and blending flavors harmoniously.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare this tagine on the stovetop. Use a large pot or Dutch oven, follow the same preparation steps, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the vegetables are tender.
Is this recipe spicy?
This tagine has a warm, aromatic flavor but is not particularly spicy. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add cayenne pepper or fresh chilies to suit your taste.
Can I add meat to this tagine?
Certainly! While this recipe is vegan, you can add meat if desired. Brown pieces of chicken, lamb, or beef before adding them to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is cooked through.
What can I serve with this tagine?
Traditionally, tagine is served with couscous. However, it also pairs well with rice, quinoa, or warm flatbreads. A side of steamed greens or a fresh salad complements the meal nicely.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too thin?
If the sauce is thinner than you'd like, you can remove the slow cooker lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water to the tagine and cook until the sauce thickens.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, this tagine is an excellent make-ahead dish. The flavors often deepen after a day or two. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.
Is it necessary to peel the sweet potato?
Peeling the sweet potato is optional. The skin is edible and contains additional nutrients. If you prefer a smoother texture, you may choose to peel it.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tinned?
Yes, you can substitute tinned tomatoes with fresh ones. Use about 4 medium fresh tomatoes, chopped. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may yield a slightly different flavor and consistency.
How do I prevent the vegetables from becoming too soft?
To maintain a firmer texture, cut the vegetables into larger chunks and avoid overcooking. Check for doneness at the 4-hour mark, and if the vegetables are tender, switch the slow cooker to the 'warm' setting to prevent further softening.
Conclusion
This sweet potato and chickpea slow cooker tagine is a delightful and hearty dish that's easy to prepare and full of rich, aromatic flavors. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe offers a straightforward way to enjoy a taste of North African cuisine in the comfort of your home. Serve it with your favorite side, and enjoy a meal that's both nourishing and satisfying.
Sweet Potato and Chickpea Slow Cooker Tagine
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savor the rich flavors of North African cuisine with this Sweet Potato and Chickpea Slow Cooker Tagine. Packed with tender vegetables, warm spices, and hearty chickpeas, this effortless slow cooker meal is perfect for a cozy and nutritious dinner. Serve it over couscous, rice, or with warm flatbread for a wholesome, plant-based feast.
Ingredients
- 1 onion, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium aubergine (eggplant), cut into chunks
- 1 (400g) can chickpeas, drained (about 1 ¼ cups)
- 1 (400g) can tinned tomatoes (about 1 ⅓ cups)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- To serve: couscous, yogurt (soy yogurt for vegan), fresh mint
Instructions
- repare the Vegetables – Chop the onion, sweet potato, red bell pepper, and aubergine into 1-inch pieces.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker – Add the vegetables, chickpeas, tinned tomatoes, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker.
- Cook – Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, stirring once midway.
- Serve – Once vegetables are tender, serve over couscous with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh mint.
Notes
- Add protein like tofu or seitan for extra heartiness.
- Include dried fruits like apricots for a traditional touch of sweetness.
- Adjust spice levels by adding cayenne or fresh chili.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: North African
