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This bright North African-style stew mixes the spicy kick of harissa with sweet burst tomatoes and soft chickpeas for a quick but rich meal. It's done in less than 25 minutes, making it great for busy nights when you want something hot and tasty without kitchen hassle. I can't get enough of this dish - it's so easy but packs flavors that taste like they've been cooking forever.
I whipped this up for some friends who dropped by last week, and they couldn't believe how fast I made something so tasty. The way the spicy harissa plays against the cool herby yogurt gives you this amazing temperature and flavor balance.
Key Components and Shopping Advice
- Queen Chickpeas - These jumbo, soft chickpeas and their flavorful liquid make up the base of this meal
- Harissa Paste - Go for good brands; they vary in spiciness, so add more or less as you like
- Cherry Tomatoes - When cooked until blistered, their sweetness cuts through the heat
- Greek Yogurt - Choose whole milk version for the best cooling effect
- Fresh Dill - Gives that fresh, green kick to the yogurt topping
The real wow moment happens when those hot tomatoes burst and mix their juice with the chickpea broth and harissa, making a sauce that's thick, zingy, and spicy all at once.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Step 1: Cook the Tomatoes
- Pour olive oil into a non-stick skillet over high heat. Toss in cherry tomatoes and cook for 5-6 minutes until they're soft, burst, and a bit blackened. This browning adds extra flavor to the dish.
- Step 2: Cook the Garlic
- Turn down the heat and throw in sliced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until you can smell it but before it browns. Gentle cooking lets out the garlic taste without making it bitter.
- Step 3: Make the Stew
- Pour in chickpeas with their liquid and let it bubble until the liquid cooks down by half. This makes the flavors stronger and gets the thickness just right.
- Step 4: Mix in the Harissa
- Take the pan off the heat to stir in harissa paste. Put it back on low heat and cook 2-3 minutes so flavors mix without losing the harissa's kick.
- Step 5: Make the Yogurt Topping
- While the stew cooks, mix grated garlic, lemon zest, chopped dill, capers, and yogurt in a bowl. This tangy yogurt cuts through the spicy stew perfectly.
- Step 6: Check the Taste
- The chickpeas and their liquid already have salt, so taste your stew before adding any more.
- Step 7: Dish It Up
- Ladle stew into warmed bowls, add a big spoonful of herby yogurt on top, and serve with warm flatbreads or couscous to soak up all that tasty sauce.
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Perfect Fast Food
This stew has saved so many crazy evenings at my house. When I'm tired after work and don't feel like cooking, I can still pull this tasty meal together without much work. My kitchen fills with amazing smells as the tomatoes sizzle in the pan, lifting my mood while turning basic ingredients into something special. Even when I'm beat, knowing I can make this colorful dish keeps me from grabbing the takeout menu.
Traditional Roots
The harissa in this dish comes from a deep food history. Born in Tunisia, this hot paste typically mixes dried chilis, garlic, olive oil, and spices like cumin and coriander. Each area makes it differently, so harissa gives us a taste of North African and Middle Eastern cooking styles. When I make this stew, I'm joining a food tradition that crosses generations and countries, bringing worldwide flavors to my kitchen.
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Earth-Friendly Eating
Besides tasting great, this plant-based dish is good for the environment too. Chickpeas need way less water and create fewer greenhouse gases than meat, so this meal helps the planet without leaving you hungry. The short shopping list also cuts down on food waste, since leftover herbs and harissa can flavor other meals all week. It's food that's good for your body and the earth.
Pro Cooking Tricks
- Don't squeeze the berries when straining if you want super clear jelly
- Cool your jars first to stop them from cracking
- Pick fancy jars to show off the pretty color
- Check if it's set by putting a drop on a cold plate
- Let the jelly warm up before eating for best taste
This quick but tasty stew has become one of my go-to dinners. I just love how the hot harissa and cool yogurt work together - it's why I keep making this dish time after time.
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Smart Serving Ideas
- Make twice as much for awesome leftovers - it tastes even better the next day
- Serve it over quinoa or with a simple green salad for a complete dinner
- Use more or less harissa depending on how spicy you like it
- Throw some toasted pine nuts on top for a nice crunch
- Add grilled chicken or sausage slices if you're cooking for meat lovers
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is harissa paste made of?
- A vibrant North African mix of chili peppers, roasted bell peppers, and spices.
- → Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
- Swap the yogurt with a dairy-free version to make it vegan.
- → How much heat does this recipe have?
- It’s got moderate heat, but you can use more or less harissa to suit your taste buds.
- → Can I use canned chickpeas?
- Sure can! Though using Queen Chickpeas gives the best texture.
- → What sides go well with this dish?
- Pair it with rice, bread, or couscous for a full meal.