Libyan Vegetable and Chickpea Stew (Tagine Khudar wa Hummus)
A hearty and aromatic vegetarian stew featuring a medley of seasonal vegetables and chickpeas simmered in a rich tomato and spice-infused broth. This dish is a staple in Libyan households, offering a comforting and nutritious meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Chickpeas(canned, drained and rinsed, or 1 cup dried, soaked overnight and cooked)
- 2 medium Zucchini(chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(chopped)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 1 large Bell pepper(any color, chopped)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Crushed tomatoes
- 500 ml Vegetable broth or water
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1.5 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley or cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 2
Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- 3
Add the chopped carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and bell pepper to the pot. Stir to coat the vegetables with the spices.
- 4
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth (or water). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- 5
Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the stew. Season with salt and black pepper. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded.
- 6
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the stew is too thick, add a little more broth or water. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce.
- 7
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro. This stew is delicious on its own or served with crusty bread for dipping.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables like eggplant, green beans, or spinach.
- ✓For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper with the onions.
- ✓If using dried chickpeas, ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the stew.
🔄 Variations
- Add a tablespoon of lemon juice at the end of cooking for a bright, fresh flavor.
- For a richer stew, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the spices.