If you’re looking for a comforting, hands-off vegetarian dish, look no further than this aromatic tagine loaded with hearty chickpeas, vegetables, and warm spices. It’s a breeze to toss everything in the slow cooker and let the flavors slowly meld together.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cubed butternut squash
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
To begin, lightly coat your slow cooker with olive oil (or simply drizzle the tablespoon of oil in). Place the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, bell pepper, and butternut squash in first, creating a hearty base for your tagine. Next, add the chickpeas and diced tomatoes, stirring gently to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, cumin, cinnamon, and smoked paprika. Pour this fragrant mixture over the vegetables and chickpeas. Season everything with a pinch of salt and pepper, then give it another good stir to ensure all ingredients are well coated in the sauce.
Set your slow cooker to low and let the tagine simmer for about 6 to 7 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have beautifully melded together. If you’re short on time, crank the heat up to high and check for doneness around the 3-hour mark, adjusting seasoning as needed. Serve in bowls with fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a bright pop of color.
This recipe is perfect when you want a fragrant, filling meal with minimal effort. The combination of chickpeas, vegetables, and sweet spices makes it a great vegetarian option packed with nutrients. Feel free to substitute or add veggies, like zucchini or eggplant, and swap chickpeas for lentils if you prefer. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking for a meatless meal that satisfies, this slow cooker tagine offers a gentle warmth and a depth of flavor that’s sure to please.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
