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Easy Spiced Harissa Chickpea Bowl Recipe for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

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A quick and flavorful chickpea bowl simmered with smoky harissa and warm spices, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners. This recipe is easy, comforting, and packed with bold North African flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or about 3 cups cooked chickpeas)
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons harissa paste
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable broth or water
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
  • Cooked grain such as quinoa, rice, or couscous (optional, for serving)
  • Optional toppings: crumbled feta, roasted nuts, or sliced avocado

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas well. Mince the garlic cloves and chop fresh parsley or cilantro if using. Set aside your harissa paste and measure out spices.
  2. Place your skillet over medium heat and warm the olive oil until it shimmers but doesn’t smoke.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, and ground coriander. Stir constantly to toast the spices gently without burning.
  4. Toss in the drained chickpeas and stir to coat them evenly with the spiced oil mixture. Add the harissa paste and stir well to evenly coat the chickpeas.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth or water, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if it looks dry.
  6. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle chopped herbs over the top.
  7. Serve warm over cooked grain or as-is. Add optional toppings like crumbled feta or sliced avocado if desired.

Notes

Start with less harissa if sensitive to spice and add more to taste. Stir spices gently to avoid bitterness. Rinse canned chickpeas to remove excess salt and starch. Add lemon juice at the end to avoid toughening chickpeas. Adjust broth to maintain a saucy texture. Optional toppings can add creaminess and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: harissa, chickpeas, easy dinner, spicy, weeknight meal, North African, vegan, gluten-free, comfort food

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/easy-spiced-harissa-chickpea-bowl-recipe-for-cozy-weeknight-dinners/