Spicy Chickpea Harissa

This bright North African-style stew pairs the spicy kick of harissa with sweet burst tomatoes and soft chickpeas for a quick but deeply flavorful meal. Done in under 25 minutes, it's ideal for those busy nights when you want something warm and tasty without kitchen marathon. I adore this dish because it's so straightforward but packs flavors that taste like they've been simmering forever.

I whipped this up last week when friends dropped by unexpectedly for dinner, and they couldn't believe how such a tasty dish came together so fast. The way the fiery harissa plays against the cool herby yogurt makes for the best kind of taste and temperature contrast.

Key Components and Shopping Advice

• Queen Chickpeas - These jumbo, buttery chickpeas and their flavorful liquid create the foundation of this dish
• Harissa Paste - Go for good quality brands; spiciness varies, so add more or less to suit your taste
• Cherry Tomatoes - They get deliciously sweet when blistered, cutting through the heat
• Greek Yogurt - Choose whole milk version for the best cooling effect
• Fresh Dill - Adds that crucial fresh, herby flavor to the yogurt topping

The real magic starts when those charred tomatoes burst and mix with the chickpea liquid and harissa, making a sauce that's rich, zingy, and spicy all at once.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1: Char the Tomatoes

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 amazing flavor depth.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic

Turn down the heat and toss in sliced garlic, letting it cook 1-2 minutes until it smells good but hasn't browned. This gentle approach brings out garlic flavor without any bitterness.

Step 3: Build the Stew

Add the chickpeas with their liquid and let everything bubble until half the liquid cooks away. This makes flavors stronger and gets the texture just right.

Step 4: Mix in Harissa

Take the pan off heat before adding harissa paste. Return to low heat and simmer 2-3 minutes so flavors can blend without losing harissa's special character.

Step 5: Make the Yogurt Mix

While the stew bubbles, mix together grated garlic, lemon zest, chopped dill, capers, and yogurt in a small bowl. This bright, tangy topping balances the spicy stew perfectly.

Step 6: Check Seasoning

Since chickpeas and their liquid already have salt, taste your stew before adding any extra seasoning.

Step 7: Dish it Up

Ladle hot stew into bowls, drop 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 Busy Day Solution

This stew has saved me on countless crazy nights. After long days when cooking feels like too much work, I can still throw together this nourishing meal with barely any effort. My kitchen fills with amazing smells as the tomatoes sizzle in the pan, lifting my mood along with these simple ingredients. Even when I'm tired, knowing I can have this colorful meal keeps me from reaching for the takeout menu.

Traditional Roots

Harissa brings North African tradition to this dish. This fiery paste comes from Tunisia and typically blends dried chilies, garlic, olive oil, and spices like cumin and coriander. Every area has their own version, making harissa a glimpse into food culture across North Africa and the Middle East. Making this stew connects me to cooking methods that stretch across generations and countries, bringing global kitchen wisdom right to my dinner.

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Eco-Friendly Enjoyment

Beyond tasting amazing, this plant-based meal comes with major environmental perks. Chickpeas need way less water and create fewer emissions than meat, making this an earth-friendly choice that doesn't skimp on flavor. The short ingredient list also cuts down on food 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 Kitchen Wisdom

• For crystal clear results, don't squeeze the berries during straining
• Cool your containers before filling to avoid temperature problems
• Pick decorative jars to show off the gorgeous color
• Check if it's set by putting a small drop on a cold plate
• Serve at room temperature for the best flavor experience

This quick but delicious stew has become one of my go-to weeknight meals. The way the hot harissa and cool yogurt work together creates such a nice balance that I find myself craving this dish again and again.

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Smart Serving Ideas

• Make twice as much for amazing next-day leftovers as flavors blend overnight
• Serve over quinoa or with a simple green salad for a complete dinner
• Add more or less harissa depending on how spicy you like it
• Scatter some toasted pine nuts on top for a lovely crunch
• For meat lovers, grilled chicken slices or sausage chunks work great

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s harissa paste made of?

A blend of North African chili, roasted peppers, and spices.

→ Is it possible to make this vegan?

Sure, swap the yogurt sauce with a plant-based option.

→ How hot does this get?

It’s moderately spicy. Change the amount of harissa to suit your taste.

→ Can I use canned chickpeas for this?

Of course! Though Queen Chickpeas add a better bite.

→ What pairs nicely with it?

Serve it with rice, flatbreads, or couscous for a full meal.