This Harissa Chickpea Curry with Apricots and Almonds is a vibrant and flavorful dish that's both comforting and exciting. The spicy harissa paste, sweet apricots, and crunchy almonds create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It's surprisingly easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. My inspiration for this dish came from a small Moroccan restaurant I visited during my travels. The flavors were so bold and unique, I knew I had to recreate it at home. And let me tell you, this recipe is as close as it gets to the real deal!
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily adapt it to your own preferences and dietary needs. Want to make it vegan? Simply ensure your vegetable broth is plant-based. Need it gluten-free? Serve it with quinoa or rice instead of couscous. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, spices, and toppings to create your own signature version of this dish. I once added some roasted sweet potatoes to mine, and it was a game-changer! Don't be afraid to get creative in the kitchen. Cooking should be fun, not stressful!
So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let's get cooking! I promise you, this Harissa Chickpea Curry with Apricots and Almonds will become a new favorite in your household. It's a dish that's not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and good for the soul. And who knows, maybe it will even inspire your own culinary adventures! Seriously though, who doesn't love a good curry? Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up those chickpeas that have been sitting in your pantry for ages. You know the ones I'm talking about! Okay, enough chit-chat. Time to start cooking!
Required Equipments
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Blender or food processor (optional)
Harissa Chickpea Curry with Apricots and Almonds: Frequently Asked Questions
Harissa Chickpea Curry with Apricots and Almonds
This Harissa Chickpea Curry with Apricots and Almonds is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines spicy, sweet, and nutty elements into one delicious meal. Perfect for a cozy night in or a flavorful dinner party, this curry is sure to impress.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Get started by prepping all your ingredients. This includes chopping the onion and garlic, measuring out the spices, and dicing the apricots. This step will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me, there's nothing worse than realizing you're out of garlic halfway through a recipe! Been there, done that!
- If you have a food processor (if not it is perfectly fine) , add the chopped onion and garlic and pulse until finely minced. This releases their flavors and creates a flavorful base for the curry. If chopping by hand, aim for small, uniform pieces.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring so they don't burn.
- Stir in the harissa paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and smoked paprika. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the spices are fragrant. This blooms the spices, intensifying their flavors and adding depth to the curry. It's like waking them up!
- Add the tomato paste and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine, ensuring there are no lumps of tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the chickpeas, diced apricots, and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the curry simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to 45 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
- After simmering, taste the curry and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, harissa paste, or spices to suit your preferences. Remember, cooking is all about personal taste!
- Stir in the chopped cilantro and lemon juice. The cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note, while the lemon juice brightens the flavors of the curry.
- Ladle the harissa chickpea curry into bowls and garnish with toasted almonds. Serve hot, on its own or over a bed of couscous, quinoa, or rice. Enjoy!
📝 Notes
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 10g
Calcium: 80mg
