Greetings beautiful people! today I will teach you how to make delicious Moroccan Chickpeas
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a versatile legume that has been enjoyed for centuries in various cuisines around the world. In Moroccan cuisine, chickpeas are a staple ingredient that is used in a wide range of dishes, including stews, soups, salads, and tagines. Vegan Moroccan chickpeas, in particular, are a popular plant-based dish that is rich in flavor, nutrition, and culinary history. In this article, we will explore the history of vegan Moroccan chickpeas, their traditional preparation, and the key ingredients that make them a beloved and wholesome meal.
History of Vegan Moroccan Chickpeas
Morocco, located in North Africa, has a diverse culinary heritage that has been shaped by its geographical location, history, and cultural influences from Arab, Berber, Moorish, and French traditions. Chickpeas, the main ingredient in vegan Moroccan chickpeas, are believed to have originated in the Middle East and have been cultivated for thousands of years, spreading to various parts of the world through trade routes and colonization.
Chickpeas have a long history of consumption in Morocco, where they have been used in traditional dishes for generations. Chickpeas were introduced to Morocco by the Arabs during the medieval period and have since become a staple ingredient in Moroccan cuisine. Chickpeas are highly valued for their versatility, affordability, and nutritional content, making them a common ingredient in many Moroccan households.
In recent years, with the growing interest in plant-based diets and the increasing awareness of the health and environmental benefits of a vegan lifestyle, vegan Moroccan chickpeas have gained popularity not only among vegans but also among those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet.
If you don’t have the patience to soak chickpeas overnight, use canned chickpeas but keep an eye out not to let them break in the slow cooking process, they still need to be whole.
What sets Moroccan chickpeas apart is the bold and exotic flavors that are expertly combined to create a symphony of tastes that are sure to excite the palate. Moroccan cuisine is known for its skillful use of spices, and this vegan Moroccan dish is no exception.
The secret to the depth and complexity of flavors in this dish lies in the skillful use of an array of spices that are native to the region. A mix of warm and aromatic spices, carefully blended to create a perfect balance, elevates the chickpeas to new heights of culinary excellence.
The dish comes alive with flavors of cumin, paprika, coriander, and turmeric, among others, that create a warm and fragrant base that infuses the chickpeas with a depth of flavor that is truly mesmerizing. These spices, when combined in just the right proportions, create a symphony of tastes that dance on the palate and leave a lasting impression.
A Touch of Sweetness
In addition to the bold spices, you’ll notice that by cooking the chickpeas to the point where they’re soft enough to the touch, they release an ever so subtle sweet note, almost similar to butter beans, again this is very subtle but it just adds a whole other dimension to it.
Texture and Mouthfeel
Another aspect that makes vegan Moroccan chickpeas a culinary delight is the texture and mouthfeel of the dish. The tender and creamy chickpeas are perfectly complemented by the rich and flavorful sauce that coats them. The dish has a hearty and satisfying mouthfeel that is both comforting and indulgent.
The addition of vegetables and herbs, such as bell peppers and fresh cilantro / corriander adds a burst of freshness to the dish, creating a beautiful contrast to the creamy chickpeas. The combination of different textures in this dish adds depth and complexity to the overall experience, making it a truly satisfying and enjoyable culinary adventure.
Vegan Moroccan style Chickpeas
Ingredients
- 2 cups chickpeas (soaked overnight)
- 3 red bell peppers (thin sliced)
- 2 green chillies (optional) sliced in half lengthways
- 1.5 cups cooking oil
- 1 bunch corriander / cilantro (roughly chopped)
- 10 cloves garlic (thin sliced)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- to taste Salt
Instructions
- boil the chickpeas in water until soft and can be mashed on hand
- Add the garlic, chillies and red peppers to the oil and fry until soft
- add in the spices and cilantro/coriander and stir
- add the chickpeas and stir
- add a dash of water so the bottom doesn't stick, place a lid on and let it slow cook on a low flame
- after an hour it should be ready to serve, you can have this with rice or bread, it's delicious and packed with flavour
