Poor Woman's Tagine

Discover the humble yet flavor-packed "Poor Woman's Tagine," a budget-friendly twist on the classic Moroccan dish that combines simplicity with bold, aromatic spices. This one-pot wonder features hearty vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and chickpeas simmered in a fragrant blend of cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric, all enveloped in a rich tomato-based sauce. A touch of optional sweetness from raisins or dried apricots adds depth, while fresh parsley or cilantro lends a burst of brightness. Perfect for those seeking a comforting, plant-based meal, this tagine pairs beautifully with couscous, rice, or crusty bread. Ready in just under an hour, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or a cozy gathering with family.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, diced onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 2 medium, sliced into rounds carrots
• 2 medium, diced potatoes
• 1 15-oz can, drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
• 1 14-oz can canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable stock or water
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup raisins or dried apricots (optional, for sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or tagine over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced potatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to lightly caramelize the vegetables.

Step 4

Add the ground cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices, and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and release their aroma.

Step 5

Add the canned chickpeas, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable stock. Stir to combine, ensuring the vegetables are mostly submerged in the liquid.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let the tagine cook for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 7

If using raisins or dried apricots, stir them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking to add a touch of sweetness to the dish.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or spices if needed.

Step 9

Serve the tagine hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. Pair with crusty bread, couscous, or rice for a more filling meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2079.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1399.8

Total Fat 37.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5968.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 241.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 42.5g	0%
Total Sugars 77.0g
Protein 39.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 485.3mg	0%
Iron 17.6mg	0%
Potassium 5754.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 23.1%

Protein: 10.9%

Carbs: 66.1%