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Transform simple chickpeas into a warming, North African-inspired stew that combines fiery harissa paste with sweet blistered tomatoes and cooling herby yogurt. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick but complex dish proves that weeknight dinners can be both convenient and extraordinary. After discovering how harissa can elevate humble chickpeas, this has become our favorite quick comfort meal.
Last night, I served this to friends who couldn't believe something so flavorful could come together so quickly. Sometimes the best recipes come from letting quality ingredients shine.
Essential Ingredients
- Canned Chickpeas: Use with their bean stock
- Cherry Tomatoes: For sweet, charred flavor
- Harissa Paste: Provides heat and complexity
- Fresh Dill: Creates bright, herby notes
- Greek Yogurt: Cools and complements
- Fresh Garlic: For both stew and yogurt
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Tomato Blistering:
- Begin by heating olive oil in a non-stick pan over high heat. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they blister and slightly char, about 5-6 minutes. This creates sweet, concentrated flavor. Add sliced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Chickpea Integration:
- Add chickpeas with their bean stock - this liquid gold adds richness and depth. Simmer until reduced by half, allowing flavors to concentrate. The stock should become slightly syrupy.
- Harissa Addition:
- Remove from heat before stirring in harissa paste. This prevents the paste from becoming bitter. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to marry flavors. Taste before adding salt as the chickpeas provide seasoning.
- Yogurt Preparation:
- While stew simmers, combine yogurt with grated garlic, lemon zest, fresh dill, and capers. This cooling sauce provides perfect contrast to the spicy stew.
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This recipe was inspired by North African flavors and the magic of harissa paste. Sometimes the most exciting dishes come from exploring global ingredients.
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Temperature Control
The key to this dish lies in managing heat levels. Start high for properly blistered tomatoes, then reduce heat for simmering. Add harissa off heat to prevent bitterness while maintaining its complex flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve in warm bowls topped generously with herby yogurt. Accompany with:
- Warm flatbreads for dipping
- Fluffy couscous
- Extra harissa on the side
- Lemon wedges for brightness
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Variation Options
Make this recipe your own by:
- Adjusting harissa to taste
- Using different fresh herbs
- Adding roasted vegetables
- Making it vegan with plant-based yogurt
- Including additional spices
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Final Thoughts
This Chickpea, Tomato + Harissa Stew represents the perfect marriage of convenience and complex flavor. Each spoonful delivers warmth, spice, and comfort balanced by cooling herbs. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or want to explore North African flavors, this recipe proves that impressive meals don't require hours in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use regular chickpeas?
- Yes, though Queen Chickpeas are recommended for their size and texture.
- → How spicy is this dish?
- Harissa adds moderate heat; adjust amount to taste.
- → Can I make this vegan?
- Yes, simply use plant-based yogurt alternative.
- → What can I serve with this?
- Flatbreads, couscous, or rice work well as accompaniments.
- → Can I make this ahead?
- Yes, stew can be made ahead. Make yogurt sauce fresh when serving.