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This lively North African-inspired dish brings together the spicy kick of harissa with sweet burst tomatoes and soft chickpeas for a quick but super tasty meal. You can make it in under 25 minutes, making it great for busy nights when you want something hot and tasty without spending forever cooking. I really dig this dish because it's so simple yet packs such big flavors that taste like they've been cooking all day.
I whipped this up last week when friends dropped by unexpectedly, and they couldn't believe how quickly I put together something so flavorful. The way the spicy harissa plays against the cool herby yogurt makes for the perfect mix of temperatures and tastes.
Key Ingredients and Smart Picking
- Giant Chickpeas - These plump, tender legumes and their flavorful liquid create the foundation of the dish
- Harissa Paste - Go for good quality brands; spiciness varies, so add according to your taste
- Cherry Tomatoes - When blistered, their natural sweetness cuts through the heat
- Greek Yogurt - Choose full-fat for the best cooling effect against the spice
- Fresh Dill - Adds that necessary bright, herbal kick to the yogurt topping
The real wow factor happens when those blistered tomatoes burst and mix with the chickpea liquid and harissa, creating a sauce that's rich, tangy, and spicy all at once.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Step 1: Burst the Tomatoes
- Warm olive oil in a non-stick skillet over high heat. Toss in cherry tomatoes and cook for 5-6 minutes until they're soft, blistered and a bit charred. This browning adds incredible depth to your dish.
- Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
- Turn down the heat and throw in sliced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it smells good but isn't brown. This gentle cooking brings out garlic flavor without any bitterness.
- Step 3: Build the Stew Foundation
- Put in chickpeas with their liquid, letting it bubble until half the liquid is gone. This makes the flavors stronger and gets the texture just right.
- Step 4: Mix in Harissa
- Take the pan off the heat before stirring in harissa paste. Return to low heat and let it simmer 2-3 minutes so flavors can blend without losing the harissa's complexity.
- Step 5: Make the Herby Yogurt
- While your stew bubbles, mix grated garlic, lemon zest, chopped dill, capers, and yogurt in a bowl. This bright, tangy yogurt perfectly balances the spicy stew.
- Step 6: Check the Flavor
- The chickpeas and their liquid already have salt, so try the stew before adding any more seasoning.
- Step 7: Dish it Up
- Ladle stew into warm 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 Busy Day Fix
This stew has saved me on so many crazy weeknights. After long days when cooking feels like too much work, I can still throw together this tasty meal without much effort. My kitchen fills with amazing smells as tomatoes sizzle in the pan, lifting my mood while transforming basic ingredients. Even when I'm totally wiped out, knowing I can make this colorful dish pushes me to cook instead of ordering in.
Traditional Roots
The harissa in this dish connects it to rich North African cooking traditions. This spicy paste comes from Tunisia and typically blends dried chilies, garlic, olive oil, and spices like cumin and coriander. Different regions make their own versions, so harissa offers a glimpse into North African and Middle Eastern food culture. When I make this stew, I'm joining a cooking tradition that crosses generations and countries, bringing world flavors right to my table.
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Earth-Friendly Comfort
Besides tasting amazing, this plant-based dish is great for the environment. Chickpeas need way less water and create fewer emissions than meat, making this an earth-friendly meal that still feels satisfying. The short ingredient list also cuts down on food waste, since leftover herbs and harissa can flavor other meals throughout the week. It's a dish that's good for both you and the planet.
Pro Cooking Advice
- Get crystal-clear jelly by avoiding squeezing berries during straining
- Cool jars beforehand to stop them from cracking
- Pick decorative jars to show off the pretty color
- Check if it's set by putting a drop on a cold plate
- Serve jelly at room temp for the best flavor
This easy but flavorful stew has become one of my go-to weeknight meals. I just can't get enough of how the hot harissa and cool yogurt work together to create that perfect balance that makes me want to cook this again and again.
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Smart Serving Suggestions
- Make extra for amazing leftovers - it tastes even better the next day
- Serve over quinoa or with a simple green salad for a complete dinner
- Add more or less harissa depending on how spicy you want it
- Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top for a nice crunch
- If you eat meat, try adding some grilled chicken or sausage slices
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is harissa paste?
- A spicy North African red pepper mix with roasted chilis and mixed spices.
- → Can I make this vegan?
- Sure, just swap the yogurt for any plant-based version.
- → How spicy is this dish?
- Medium heat, but you can add more or less harissa as you like.
- → Can I use regular chickpeas?
- Absolutely, though Queen Chickpeas give a better bite.
- → What can I serve with it?
- It goes great with flat bread, fluffy couscous, or plain rice.