Moroccan Chickpeas Stew Recipe

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cup Kabuli Chana (White Chickpeas) washed and soaked overnight
• 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 inch Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini)
• 6 cloves Garlic finely chopped
• 2 Onions finely chopped
• Salt
• 1 teaspoon Whole Black Pepper Corns coarsely pounded
• 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder (Haldi)
• 1/2 teaspoon Paprika powder
• 1 teaspoon Cumin powder (Jeera)
• 1 teaspoon Garam masala powder
• 1/2 cup Homemade tomato puree
• 1 Tomato finely chopped
• 4 Apricots finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
• 4 sprig Mint Leaves (Pudina) finely chopped
• 6 sprig Coriander (Dhania) Leaves finely chopped
• 6 Whole Almonds (Badam) toasted and chopped

Steps

1. To begin making the Moroccan Chickpeas Stew Recipe, soak the chickpeas overnight or for at least 8 hours.
2. Once soaked, add the chickpeas to the pressure cooker along with a little salt and enough water such that it is at least 2 inches above the level of chickpeas. Pressure cook for 4 to 5 whistles and turn the heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes and turn off the heat.
3. Allow the pressure to release naturally and keep the cooked chickpeas aside.
4. Heat olive oil in a heavy bottomed pan over medium heat; add the cinnamon stick, chopped garlic and onions.
5. Saute for a minute or two, until the onions soften and their aroma wafts in the air.
6. Stir in the salt, turmeric, paprika, cumin powder, garam masala powder and give it a quick stir.
7. Once the spices are mixed in well, add the chopped apricots, tomato puree and chopped tomatoes.
8. Stir well, cover and cook for about 2 minutes until the tomatoes become mushy. When the tomatoes begin to turn mushy, stir in the cooked chickpeas.
9. Check salt and seasonings and adjust according to taste and bring the Chickpea stew to a brisk boil for about 10 minutes until the Moroccan chickpea stew absorbs all the flavours.
10. Add additional water if the Moroccan Chickpea Stew becomes too thick. Check the salt and adjust to suit your taste.
11. Turn off the heat, stir in the lemon juice, mint and coriander leaves. Garnish the Moroccan Chickpea Stew with chopped toasted almonds and serve.
12. Serve Moroccan Chickpeas Stew Recipe along with Herbed Butter Garlic Quinoa Recipe for a simple lunch meal.