Description
Chickpea, Tomato & Harissa Stew with Herby Yoghurt
Discover the fiery and flavorful world of North African cuisine with this quick and hearty harissa stew. Juicy cherry tomatoes, robust Queen Chickpeas, and smoky harissa paste come together for a vibrant, warming dish ready in just 25 minutes. Topped with a refreshing herby yoghurt and paired with warm flatbreads or couscous, this stew is a perfect balance of spice and comfort.
For the Stew
2 tbsp olive oil
250g cherry or baby plum tomatoes
2 garlic cloves, finely sliced
1 jar Queen Chickpeas (with stock)
2 tbsp harissa paste
For the Herby Yoghurt
2 garlic cloves, grated
1 lemon, zested
15g fresh dill, finely chopped
3 tsp capers, drained
250g Greek yoghurt (or vegan alternative)
To Serve
Warm flatbreads
Couscous
Directions
1. Heat olive oil in a pan, blister cherry tomatoes (5-6 min). Add garlic, cook until fragrant (1-2 min).
2. Stir in chickpeas with stock, reduce by half. Mix in harissa, simmer (2-3 min).
3. Combine herby yoghurt ingredients in a bowl, season to taste.
4. Serve stew topped with yoghurt and sides of flatbreads or couscous.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: ~400 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Begin by preparing your ingredients. Finely slice the 2 garlic cloves for the stew. For the herby yoghurt, grate 2 garlic cloves, zest the lemon, and finely chop the dill. Drain the capers.
2. Heat the 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 250g of cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5-6 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the tomatoes are blistered and starting to soften and split.
3. Add the sliced garlic to the pan with the tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
4. Pour in the entire jar of Queen Chickpeas, including the stock. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by roughly half. This concentrates the flavor.
5. Stir in the 2 tbsp of harissa paste until fully incorporated. Let the stew simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt if needed.
6. While the stew simmers, make the herby yoghurt. In a bowl, combine the 250g Greek yoghurt, grated garlic, lemon zest, chopped dill, and capers. Mix well and season to taste with salt and pepper.
7. To serve, ladle the hot stew into bowls. Top generously with the cool, herby yoghurt. Serve immediately with warm flatbreads or a side of fluffy couscous.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile stew pairs beautifully with various sides. For a traditional meal, serve with warm pita or naan bread for dipping. For a more substantial dish, spoon it over a bed of fluffy couscous, quinoa, or even steamed rice. A simple side salad of cucumber, red onion, and mint with a lemon dressing provides a fresh contrast. For extra texture, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or flaked almonds.
How-to Summary
This 25-minute stew involves blistering tomatoes and garlic, simmering chickpeas in their stock until reduced, and finishing with harissa paste. A quick, zesty yoghurt sauce with garlic, lemon, dill, and capers is prepared separately. The stew is served hot, topped with the cool yoghurt, alongside flatbreads or couscous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of a jar? Yes, but it adds significant time. Use 1.5 cups of cooked chickpeas and substitute the jar stock with 1 cup of vegetable broth, simmering until the liquid reduces.
How can I adjust the spice level? Harissa pastes vary in heat. Start with 1 tablespoon, taste, and add more. For less heat, use a mild harissa or a mix of tomato paste and smoked paprika.
What can I use instead of dill? Fresh mint, parsley, or coriander make excellent substitutes, offering a different but equally delicious herbal note.
Is this stew freezer-friendly? The stew base freezes well for up to 3 months. However, prepare the fresh herby yoghurt just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What type of harissa should I use? Both Tunisian (spicier, smokier) and Moroccan (milder, more floral) harissa work. Tube paste is convenient, but jarred versions often have deeper flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid burning the garlic in the first step, as it will turn bitter; cook it just until fragrant. Do not skip reducing the chickpea stock, as this step is crucial for building a rich, flavorful base. When making the yoghurt, ensure you drain the capers well to prevent the sauce from becoming watery. Finally, do not over-stir the stew after adding the harissa, as it can sometimes cause the chickpeas to break down too much.
Conclusion
This Chickpea, Tomato & Harissa Stew is a testament to how simple ingredients can create deeply satisfying and complex flavors. The fiery, smoky stew perfectly balances the cool, creamy, and tangy herby yoghurt, resulting in a comforting yet vibrant meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s a flexible recipe that invites customization and is sure to become a reliable favorite for a quick, nutritious, and delicious dinner.