Zesty Moroccan Chickpea Tagine

Featured in: One-Pot Comfort Meals

This Zesty Moroccan Chickpea Tagine combines tender chickpeas and a variety of fresh vegetables simmered gently in a blend of warming spices including cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Enhanced with lemon zest and juice, it delivers a bright and savory profile in every bite. Perfect for a wholesome, easy-to-make meal, this one-pot dish can be enjoyed with couscous or crusty bread and adapts well to seasonal veggies.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:27:00 GMT
Zesty Moroccan Chickpea & Vegetable Tagine steaming, with vibrant veggies and herbs, ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
Zesty Moroccan Chickpea & Vegetable Tagine steaming, with vibrant veggies and herbs, ready to serve. | citrushearth.com

A vibrant, budget-friendly Moroccan stew packed with chickpeas, colorful vegetables, and warming spices, all simmered in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal fuss.

This comforting tagine has been a staple in my kitchen for years, perfect for chilly evenings and impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 large onion finely chopped, 2 garlic cloves minced, 2 medium carrots sliced, 1 medium zucchini diced, 1 red bell pepper chopped, 1 small eggplant diced, 400 g (1 can) diced tomatoes
  • Legumes: 400 g (1 can) chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • Spices & Seasonings: 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat), 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp salt, zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Liquids: 400 ml vegetable broth
  • Garnish: 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley chopped, lemon wedges (to serve)

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened
Step 2:
Stir in the garlic, carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, and eggplant Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften
Step 3:
Add all the spices (cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, paprika, cayenne, black pepper, and salt) Cook for 1 minute until fragrant
Step 4:
Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth Stir in the chickpeas, lemon zest, and juice
Step 5:
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and flavors meld
Step 6:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
Step 7:
Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or parsley and lemon wedges
A hearty bowl of Zesty Moroccan Chickpea & Vegetable Tagine, with lemon wedges for bright flavor. Save to Pinterest
A hearty bowl of Zesty Moroccan Chickpea & Vegetable Tagine, with lemon wedges for bright flavor. | citrushearth.com

My family gathers around this dish every time, creating warm memories over the rich flavors and vibrant colors.

Notes

For extra depth, add a handful of chopped dried apricots or dates Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven Wooden spoon Knife and cutting board Can opener

Allergen Information

Contains None of the major allergens Gluten-Free if served without bread or with gluten-free sides Always check broth and canned goods for hidden gluten or allergens

Simmering in a pot, the fragrant Zesty Moroccan Chickpea & Vegetable Tagine is a colorful vegan stew. Save to Pinterest
Simmering in a pot, the fragrant Zesty Moroccan Chickpea & Vegetable Tagine is a colorful vegan stew. | citrushearth.com

This tagine is a simple yet impressive dish that brings a taste of Morocco to your table.

Recipe FAQs

What spices give this tagine its flavor?

The blend includes ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt, providing a warm and aromatic profile.

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but dried chickpeas should be soaked overnight and cooked until tender before adding to the dish.

What vegetables are best for this dish?

Carrots, zucchini, red bell pepper, eggplant, and tomatoes work beautifully, but seasonal veggies like squash or sweet potatoes can be excellent substitutes.

How should I serve the tagine?

It pairs wonderfully with couscous, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

Is this suitable for special diets?

This dish is vegan and gluten-free if served without bread or with gluten-free sides.

Zesty Moroccan Chickpea Tagine

A vibrant Moroccan stew featuring chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and fragrant spices simmered to perfection.

Prep duration
15 minutes
Time to cook
35 minutes
Overall time
50 minutes
Created by Elise Porter


Skill level Easy

Cuisine Type Moroccan

Makes 4 Number of servings

Dietary details Plant-Based, Without Dairy, No Gluten

What Goes In

Vegetables

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 2 medium carrots, sliced
05 1 medium zucchini, diced
06 1 red bell pepper, chopped
07 1 small eggplant, diced
08 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes

Legumes

01 1 can (14 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Spices & Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon ground cumin
02 1 teaspoon ground coriander
03 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
05 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
07 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 1 teaspoon salt
09 Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Liquids

01 1 2/3 cups vegetable broth

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
02 Lemon wedges (to serve)

How to Make It

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Cook Vegetables: Add garlic, carrots, zucchini, red bell pepper, and eggplant. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften.

Step 03

Add Spices: Incorporate cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 04

Combine Tomatoes, Broth, and Chickpeas: Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in chickpeas, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

Step 05

Simmer: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.

Step 06

Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 07

Serve: Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or parsley and lemon wedges.

What You’ll Need

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Can opener

Allergy details

Double-check ingredients for allergens; talk with your doctor if you’re uncertain.
  • Contains no major allergens; verify broth and canned goods for possible gluten.

Nutrition info (for each serving)

Nutrition data is for reference and isn’t meant as health advice.
  • Calorie count: 265
  • Fat content: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 39 grams
  • Protein amount: 8 grams