Chickpea, Tomato, And Harissa Stew With Herby Yogurt Recipe

Hearty Chickpea, Tomato, And Harissa Stew With Herby Yogurt Recipe

Comfort comes alive in this hearty chickpea tomato harissa stew that whispers stories of North African kitchens.

Warm spices dance through each spoonful, creating a melody of robust flavors.

The harissa brings a gentle heat that awakens your senses without overwhelming them.

Tender chickpeas absorb the rich, tangy tomato base, creating a satisfying texture in every bite.

Fresh herbs and cool yogurt provide a creamy contrast to the stew warmth.

Serve this dish straight from the pot, letting its aromatic steam invite everyone to the table.

You’ll find this recipe transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

FAQs

  • What is harissa paste, and where can I find it?

Harissa is a spicy North African chili paste made from roasted red peppers, hot chili peppers, and spices. You can find it in specialty grocery stores, international food markets, or in the international aisle of well-stocked supermarkets.

  • Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to soak dried chickpeas overnight and cook them until tender before using in the recipe. This will add extra preparation time compared to canned chickpeas.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The heat level depends on the harissa paste you use. Some are mild, while others are quite hot. You can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of harissa or choosing a milder version.

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Ingredients That Make Chickpea, Tomato, and Harissa Stew Shine

Main Ingredients:
  • Chickpeas: Protein-rich legumes that form the hearty base of this stew.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy tomatoes that add bright flavor and color to the dish.
  • Harissa Paste: Spicy North African chili paste that provides deep, complex heat.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Dill, Capers: Aromatic ingredients that enhance the overall flavor profile of the stew.
  • Lemon Zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy brightness to the herby yogurt.
Dairy and Accompaniments:
  • Greek Yogurt: Creamy base for the herby topping that balances the spicy harissa.
  • Flatbreads, Couscous: Traditional side dishes that complement the stew and help soak up the flavorful sauce.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a base for cooking and adds richness to the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings used to adjust and balance the flavors.

How to Prepare Chickpea, Tomato, and Harissa Stew Easily

Step 1: Blister the Tomatoes

Fire up a non-stick pan with olive oil over high heat. Toss in cherry tomatoes and dance them around for 5-6 minutes.

Watch them transform into blistered, charred beauties that burst with intense flavor.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Lower the heat and introduce sliced garlic to the pan.

Let it sizzle and release its fragrant essence for 1-2 minutes. Pour in chickpeas with their luxurious cooking liquid.

Allow the mixture to bubble and reduce, concentrating the flavors for 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Remove pan from heat and swirl in harissa paste.

Let the stew simmer and meld together, creating a vibrant, spicy profile. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Create Herby Yogurt Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Greek yogurt
  • Grated garlic
  • Lemon zest
  • Chopped dill
  • Capers

Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming chickpea stew into warm bowls.

Crown each serving with a generous dollop of herby yogurt. Accompany with warm flatbreads and fluffy couscous for a complete Mediterranean feast.

Tips for Perfecting Chickpea, Tomato, and Harissa Stew

  • Select bright, firm, and deeply colored cherry tomatoes for the best blistering and flavor intensity.
  • Maintain high heat when blistering tomatoes but lower immediately when adding garlic to prevent burning and bitter taste.
  • Always use the reserved bean stock when cooking chickpeas for extra depth and richness in the stew.
  • Start with less harissa paste and gradually add more to control spice level according to personal preference.
  • Add extra chopped dill or parsley to the yogurt for a brighter, more vibrant herbal note in the final dish.

Flavorful Variations on Chickpea, Tomato, and Harissa Stew

  • Vegan Harissa Stew: Replace Greek yogurt with cashew cream or coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version. Use plant-based harissa to maintain the spicy flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Mediterranean Bowl: Swap chickpeas with roasted cauliflower or diced zucchini. Serve over cauliflower rice instead of couscous for a lower-carbohydrate alternative.
  • Protein-Packed Variation: Add grilled chicken or seared lamb to increase protein content. Use a spicy shawarma-style seasoning to complement the harissa base.
  • Pantry Swap Stew: Substitute cherry tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes. Replace fresh dill with dried herbs like oregano or za'atar if fresh herbs are unavailable.

What Complements Chickpea, Tomato, and Harissa Stew Best

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño to complement the harissa's spice and cut through the creamy yogurt's richness.
  • Serve with Rustic Sourdough Bread: Choose a hearty, tangy sourdough to soak up the stew's flavorful juices and provide a satisfying textural contrast.
  • Match with Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Prepare a simple salad with cucumber, red onion, and fresh herbs dressed in olive oil and lemon juice to balance the stew's warmth and add brightness.
  • Enhance with Spicy Red Blend: Pour a medium-bodied red wine like Grenache or Tempranillo to stand up to the harissa's heat and add depth to the meal's flavor profile.

How to Store Chickpea, Tomato, and Harissa Stew Properly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate the herby yogurt from the stew to maintain its freshness and prevent sogginess.
  • Pour cooled stew into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Do not freeze the yogurt, as it may separate and lose texture.
  • Transfer stew to a saucepan, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Refresh herby yogurt at room temperature before serving.
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Chickpea, Tomato, And Harissa Stew With Herby Yogurt Recipe

Chickpea, Tomato, And Harissa Stew With Herby Yogurt Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Hearty chickpea, tomato, and harissa stew simmers with North African spices, offering a comforting one-pot meal that warms from within. Creamy herby yogurt adds a cool, tangy contrast, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this soulful culinary journey.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 jar Queen Chickpeas with their bean stock
  • 250 grams (8.8 ounces) cherry or baby plum tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons harissa paste

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced

Cooking Oils:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a scorching non-stick skillet, drizzle olive oil and elevate heat to high. Toss cherry tomatoes into the pan, allowing them to roast and blister for 5-6 minutes, occasionally stirring until they develop a slightly charred exterior and become tender.
  2. Reduce heat to medium-low and introduce sliced garlic, sautéing until aromatic, approximately 1-2 minutes. Incorporate chickpeas with their reserved liquid, allowing the mixture to simmer and condense by half, roughly 3-4 minutes.
  3. Remove skillet from heat and vigorously stir in harissa paste, permitting the stew to gently bubble for an additional 2-3 minutes. Taste and calibrate seasoning with salt as needed.
  4. Meanwhile, prepare herby yogurt by combining grated garlic, lemon zest, chopped dill, capers, and Greek yogurt in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
  5. Transfer the vibrant chickpea stew into warm serving dishes. Crown each portion with a lavish dollop of herby yogurt. Accompany the dish with freshly warmed flatbreads and fluffy couscous.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting harissa paste quantity for spice-sensitive diners or those who love intense flavors.
  • Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut or almond yogurt for vegan versions.
  • Use canned chickpeas for quick preparation, but dried chickpeas offer deeper, nuttier flavor if time permits.
  • Fresh herbs can be interchanged – try parsley or mint instead of dill for varied taste profiles.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: North African

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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