Carrot Tagine

Carrot Tagine: A Flavorful Moroccan Delight

If you're looking for a vibrant, aromatic, and healthy dish that brings the exotic flavors of Morocco to your table, this Carrot Tagine is the perfect choice. A tagine is a slow-cooked North African stew, traditionally prepared in a conical clay pot, but you can easily make it in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot.

Serves: 4-6 | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) carrots, peeled and cut into thick sticks
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
• 1 can (14 oz / 400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup dried apricots, halved
• ¼ cup golden raisins
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Spice Blend:

• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Additions:

• 1 preserved lemon, chopped (for authentic Moroccan flavor)
• A handful of toasted almonds or pine nuts for crunch

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil in a tagine pot, Dutch oven, or deep skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
3. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

2. Toast the Spices

1. Add all the spices (cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper) to the pot.
2. Stir well and toast for about 30 seconds to release their aromas.

3. Add Carrots & Liquids

1. Toss in the carrot sticks and stir to coat them in the spice mixture.
2. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. If using, add honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.

4. Simmer with Dried Fruits & Chickpeas

1. Add the dried apricots, raisins, and chickpeas, stirring gently.
2. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes, or until the carrots are tender but not mushy.

5. Adjust Seasoning & Serve

1. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
2. If using, stir in chopped preserved lemon for extra tang.
3. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and toasted nuts if desired.
4. Serve warm with couscous, crusty bread, or over quinoa.

Chef's Notes:

Make it Vegan: Omit honey or use maple syrup instead.

Storage: This tagine keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time!

No Tagine Pot? A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven works perfectly.

Enjoy this fragrant and colorful Carrot Tagine – a taste of Morocco in your own kitchen! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out.