BBC Good Food Vegetable Tagine Recipe: Easy & Flavorful Dish

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warming, aromatic vegetable tagine to transport you to the bustling souks and sun-soaked courtyards of Morocco. Inspired by the beloved BBC Good Food vegetable tagine recipe, this dish is a celebration of vibrant vegetables, sweet dried fruit, and earthy spices all simmered together into a comforting stew.

Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based eater or just searching for a nourishing weeknight meal, this tagine promises to fill your kitchen with irresistible scents and your table with vibrant color.

Perfect for sharing with friends or family, this vegetable tagine is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and loaded with nutrients. It’s also endlessly adaptable—feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal veggies or adjust the spice level to your liking.

Serve it over fluffy couscous or steaming rice, and you’ll have a feast that’s as impressive as it is wholesome. Let’s dive in and bring a taste of North Africa to your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful & Fragrant: A blend of spices, dried fruit, and fresh vegetables creates layers of sweet, savory, and aromatic notes.
• Healthy & Nourishing: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein, this tagine is as good for you as it tastes.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes this a weeknight favorite, plus it’s easy to make in advance for meal prep.
• Adaptable: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand—perfect for cleaning out the fridge or making the most of your farmer’s market haul.
• Family Friendly: Mild enough for kids but easily spiced up for grown-ups. It’s a crowd-pleaser!
• Great for Entertaining: Looks beautiful served in a tagine or colorful dish, and leftovers taste even better the next day.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven (a traditional tagine pot is wonderful if you have one, but not essential)
• Chopping board & sharp knife
• Wooden spoon (for stirring)
• Measuring spoons & cups
• Grater (for ginger and lemon zest)
• Citrus juicer (optional, for juicing lemon)

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients:
   
   Chop all vegetables, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and zest the lemon before you begin. This makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
2. Sauté the aromatics:
   
   Heat the olive oil in your large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook gently for 5-7 minutes until soft and golden. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the spices:
   
   Sprinkle in the ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, turmeric, and chili flakes (if using). Stir well and let the spices toast for a minute to release their aromas.
4. Layer in the vegetables:
   
   Add the chopped carrots, sweet potato, courgette, and red bell pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables in the spiced oil mixture.
5. Add tomatoes, stock, and fruit:
   
   Pour in the canned tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable stock, chopped apricots, and raisins. Stir everything together, bring to a simmer, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer gently:
   
   Cover the pot and cook over low-medium heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables should become tender and the sauce slightly thickened.
7. Add chickpeas and lemon:
   
   Stir in the drained chickpeas, lemon zest, and most of the juice. Cook uncovered for another 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
8. Finish and serve:
   
   Remove from heat. Scatter over the chopped fresh coriander (cilantro). Serve hot with fluffy couscous, rice, or flatbread.

Tips & Variations

• Swap Your Veg: Try butternut squash, aubergine (eggplant), parsnips, or potatoes for a different twist.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or extra chili for more heat, or stir in harissa paste at the end.
• Protein Boost: Toss in a handful of cooked lentils or add cubed firm tofu for extra protein.
• Fruit Options: Use dried figs, prunes, or dates in place of apricots and raisins for a different sweetness.
• Make Ahead: This tagine tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Pro tip: “For a traditional touch, serve your tagine straight from the pot and let everyone help themselves. The communal style makes every meal feel like a celebration!”

For more hearty, slow-cooked meals, check out these Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for even more inspiration.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and based on standard ingredients without added toppings or sides.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Couscous: Serve your tagine over a bed of light, fluffy couscous. For added flavor, stir in chopped herbs and a squeeze of lemon.
• Steamed Rice: A bowl of fragrant basmati or brown rice pairs perfectly with the rich tagine sauce.
• Flatbread or Pita: Use warm bread to scoop up every last drop of sauce.
• Yogurt Swirl: A dollop of dairy-free yogurt and a sprinkle of dukkah or toasted seeds add creaminess and crunch.
• Fresh Salad: Balance the meal with a crisp cucumber and tomato salad, lightly dressed with lemon and olive oil.

“This vegetable tagine makes a perfect centerpiece for a Middle Eastern-inspired dinner. For more regional flavors, try our Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals.”

Conclusion

If you’re seeking a dish that’s equal parts comforting, healthy, and bursting with flavor, this BBC Good Food-inspired vegetable tagine ticks every box. It’s a practical recipe for busy weeknights and a showstopper for dinner parties alike.

The medley of spices and sweet dried fruits create an unforgettable taste that lingers long after the meal is over.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own—mix up the veggies, adjust the seasoning, or double the batch for easy lunches all week. And if you’re on the hunt for more plant-based inspiration, check out our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or this delightful Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious to round out your meal.

Embrace the colors, aromas, and community spirit of Moroccan cooking—your tastebuds (and your guests) will thank you!

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