Margoog Vegetable Stew
A hearty and flavorful vegetable stew, Margoog is a traditional Kuwaiti dish made with a simple dough and a rich tomato-based broth, often served during Ramadan.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.75 cup Warm water(approximately, for dough)
- 0.5 tsp Salt(for dough)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil(for dough)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil or Ghee(for stew)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 800 g Tomatoes(crushed or diced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 medium Carrots(chopped)
- 2 medium Zucchini(chopped)
- 1 medium Eggplant(chopped)
- 2 medium Potatoes(chopped)
- 1 can (400g) Chickpeas(rinsed and drained)
- 4 cups Vegetable broth or water
- 1 tbsp Baharat spice blend
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro or parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the dough: In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add warm water while mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Mix in olive oil, cover, and let rest for 20 minutes.
- 2
While the dough rests, prepare the stew base: Heat vegetable oil or ghee in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, baharat, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Add chopped carrots, zucchini, eggplant, and potatoes to the pot. Stir to coat with the tomato mixture.
- 6
Pour in vegetable broth or water, ensuring the vegetables are mostly submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- 7
While the stew simmers, divide the rested dough into small portions. Roll each portion thinly into flatbreads (about 6-8 inches in diameter). You can tear these into smaller pieces.
- 8
Add the torn dough pieces and rinsed chickpeas to the simmering stew. Stir gently.
- 9
Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 20-30 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and the stew has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 10
Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The dough should be soft but not sticky. Adjust water as needed.
- ✓Don't overcook the vegetables before adding the dough, as they will continue to cook in the stew.
- ✓The stew should be thick but still have a broth-like consistency. Adjust liquid if necessary.
- ✓Margoog is best served hot, directly from the pot.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like pumpkin or okra.
- For a meat version, add small pieces of lamb or chicken along with the onions.
- Use whole wheat flour for a healthier dough.