Tagine and Seek

A North African Stew of Spiced Tomatoes, Potatoes, and Onions with Crusty Bread

1 hour 10 minutes
Serves 4
DinnerAfrican
Herb's take

Journey to North Africa without leaving your kitchen, this tagine layers tomatoes, potatoes, and onions with classic warming spices. You'll master the art of blooming spices and coaxing maximum flavor from humble ingredients, all while perfuming your house with the aroma of slow-cooked comfort.

Ingredients

Yield
4

Instructions

  1. 01
    Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or tagine base over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, for 6 minutes until the onions are soft and golden.
  2. 02
    Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. 03
    Add cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, turmeric, and black pepper. Stir constantly for 1 minute to let the spices bloom in the oil.
  4. 04
    Add the chopped tomatoes and carrot slices. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the tomatoes begin to break down and release their juices.
  5. 05
    Toss in the cubed potatoes and chickpeas. Pour in the vegetable broth, add the bay leaf, and sprinkle with kosher salt.
  6. 06
    Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 40 minutes, stirring twice to prevent sticking.
  7. 07
    Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken the stew.
  8. 08
    Check the potatoes for doneness (they should be fork-tender but not falling apart). Remove the bay leaf.
  9. 09
    Stir in the lemon juice and half the chopped cilantro. Season with additional salt if needed.
  10. 10
    Ladle the tagine into shallow bowls, sprinkle with the remaining cilantro, and serve hot with slices of crusty bread for dipping.

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