A Vegetable Tagine with Saffron and Spices is a flavorful and aromatic Moroccan dish that combines various vegetables, rich spices, and a touch of saffron for a distinct and luxurious flavor. Here’s a simple recipe to create this dish:
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground saffron threads (soaked in 2 tbsp warm water)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp honey (optional for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Toasted almonds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat the oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or tagine, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot, and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened.
- Add spices: Stir in the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger. Let the spices toast in the oil for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add vegetables: Add the zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, bell pepper, and cauliflower to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
- Add saffron: Pour in the saffron and its soaking water, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and let the vegetables cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until they are tender. If you’re using raisins, add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, drizzle honey for a hint of sweetness.
- Garnish and serve: Once the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together, garnish with fresh cilantro and toasted almonds. Serve with couscous or crusty bread.
Enjoy your comforting and fragrant Vegetable Tagine with Saffron and Spices!
