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This colorful North African-style stew blends the spicy kick of harissa with sweet burst tomatoes and soft chickpeas for a quick but deeply rewarding meal. It's done in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you want something warm and tasty without kitchen hassle. I adore this dish because it's so straightforward yet packs flavors that seem like they've been simmering forever.
I whipped this up for some friends who dropped by last week, and they couldn't believe how fast I put together something so tasty. The way the spicy harissa plays against the cold herby yogurt makes every bite interesting with its temperature and taste contrasts.
Key Ingredients and Smart Shopping Advice
- Giant Chickpeas - These jumbo, soft chickpeas and their flavorful liquid create the backbone of this dish
- Harissa Paste - Go for good quality brands; they vary in spiciness, so add more or less as you like
- Cherry Tomatoes - When blistered, their natural sugar helps balance the heat
- Greek Yogurt - Choose whole milk version for the best cooling effect
- Fresh Dill - Gives that must-have brightness to the yogurt topping
Everything clicks when those blistered tomatoes burst and mix with the chickpea liquid and harissa, creating a sauce that's rich, tart, and spicy all at once.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Step 1: Get Those Tomatoes Popping
- Pour olive oil into a non-stick skillet over high heat. Toss in cherry tomatoes and cook them 5-6 minutes until they're soft, blistered and a bit charred. This browning adds real richness to the dish.
- Step 2: Throw In Your Garlic
- Turn down the heat and add sliced garlic, letting it cook 1-2 minutes until it smells good but isn't brown. Gentle cooking brings out garlic flavor without making it bitter.
- Step 3: Build Your Stew
- Drop in chickpeas with their liquid and let it all bubble until the liquid cooks down by half. This makes all the flavors stronger and gives you the right thickness.
- Step 4: Mix In The Harissa
- Take the pan off the heat before adding harissa paste. Put it back on low heat and let it bubble gently 2-3 minutes so flavors can mix without losing the harissa's punch.
- Step 5: Make Your Yogurt Mix
- While your stew bubbles away, stir together grated garlic, lemon zest, chopped dill, capers, and yogurt in a small bowl. This bright, tangy mix really balances out the spicy stew.
- Step 6: Check The Taste
- The chickpeas and their liquid already have salt, so try the stew before you add any more seasoning.
- Step 7: Dish It Up Right Away
- Scoop the hot stew into bowls, plop a big spoonful of herby yogurt on top, and serve with warm flatbreads or couscous to soak up all that yummy sauce.
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Fantastic Quickie Meal
This stew has saved me on so many crazy weeknights. After long days when cooking feels like too much work, I can still throw together this nourishing dinner without much effort. My kitchen fills with amazing smells as the tomatoes sizzle in the pan, lifting my mood while transforming basic ingredients. Even when I'm tired, knowing I can make this vibrant dish keeps me from grabbing takeout.
Traditional Background
Harissa comes from a rich North African cooking tradition. Born in Tunisia, this spicy paste typically mixes dried chilis, garlic, olive oil, and spices like cumin and coriander. Different areas make it their own way, so harissa offers a glimpse into various North African and Middle Eastern food cultures. Making this stew connects me to cooking methods that span many generations and regions, bringing worldwide flavors to my table.
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Earth-Friendly Eating
Besides tasting amazing, this plant-based dish is great for the environment. Chickpeas need way less water and create fewer emissions than meat, making this an eco-smart choice that doesn't skimp on flavor. The short ingredient list also cuts down on waste, since leftover herbs and harissa can jazz up other meals all week. It's food that's good for you and the planet.
Pro Cooking Tricks
- Don't squeeze the berries when straining if you want super clear jelly
- Cool your jars first to avoid temperature problems
- Pick decorative jars to show off the pretty color
- Check if it's set by putting a drop on a cold plate
- Serve at room temp for best flavor
This quick but tasty stew has become one of my go-to weeknight meals. The mix of hot harissa and cool yogurt hits that perfect sweet spot that makes me want to cook this again and again.
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Closing Suggestions
- Make twice as much for awesome leftovers that taste even better the next day
- Serve it over quinoa or with a green salad for a complete meal
- Use more or less harissa depending on how spicy you like things
- Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top for a nice crunch
- For meat lovers, grilled chicken slices or sausage work great in this
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s harissa paste?
- It’s a flavorful chili blend from North Africa with roasted peppers and spices.
- → Can I make this plant-based?
- You sure can! Just swap regular yogurt for a dairy-free one.
- → Is the heat level strong?
- It’s medium spicy, but you can tone it down by using less harissa.
- → Will canned chickpeas work?
- Absolutely, but try Queen Chickpeas if you want a creamier bite.
- → What side dishes pair well?
- Try flatbreads, rice, or even couscous alongside.