Aubergine Tagine Recipe Vegan: Easy & Flavorful Guide

When it comes to vibrant, hearty vegan dishes, nothing quite matches the aromatic allure of a traditional Moroccan tagine. This aubergine tagine recipe vegan embraces the rich flavors of North African cuisine, combining tender aubergines with a medley of spices, tomatoes, and chickpeas to create a satisfying, wholesome meal.

Perfectly spiced and slow-cooked to perfection, this dish delivers layers of taste without any animal products, making it a fantastic choice for vegans and anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious, plant-based dinner.

The slow simmering process allows the vegetables to soak up the fragrant spices, resulting in a comforting and deeply flavorful stew that pairs beautifully with couscous or crusty bread.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply exploring new meatless meals, this aubergine tagine will warm your soul and impress your taste buds. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that you can customize with seasonal veggies or your favorite herbs.

Ready to dive into the exotic flavors of Morocco? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This aubergine tagine is a perfect blend of simplicity and complexity. Despite its humble ingredient list, the slow-cooked spices create a depth of flavor that feels indulgent without any dairy or meat.

It’s entirely vegan, gluten-free, and packed with fiber and antioxidants from fresh vegetables and legumes.

The recipe is also incredibly adaptable—whether you want to add more heat with chili flakes or toss in some sweet dried apricots, it’s easy to make your own. Plus, it’s an excellent make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day.

If you love dishes that combine comfort, health, and global flair, this aubergine tagine will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Ingredients

• 2 medium aubergines (eggplants), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 large tomatoes, diced (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• ½ cup dried apricots, chopped (optional for sweetness)
• Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped for garnish
• Juice of ½ lemon

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or tagine (if you have a traditional tagine, even better!)
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Can opener (if using canned tomatoes and chickpeas)
• Serving bowls

Instructions

1. Prepare the aubergines: Start by washing and cutting your aubergines into roughly 1-inch cubes. Sprinkle them with a pinch of salt and set aside in a colander for 20 minutes. This helps to draw out excess moisture and any bitterness.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in your heavy-bottomed pot or tagine over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the spices: Sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, turmeric, ground ginger, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and release their aromas.
4. Cook the aubergine: Rinse the aubergine cubes to remove excess salt, then pat dry with a clean towel. Add them to the pot and stir well to coat them evenly with the spices and onions. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
5. Add tomatoes and chickpeas: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chickpeas. Pour in the vegetable broth and mix everything thoroughly. If you’re using dried apricots, add them now for a subtle sweetness that balances the spices.
6. Simmer the tagine: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the aubergines are very tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
7. Season and finish: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Remove from heat.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped coriander over the tagine and serve hot with fluffy couscous, quinoa, or warm flatbread.

Tips & Variations

“For an even richer flavor, roast the aubergine cubes in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes before adding them to the tagine.”

If you don’t have a tagine, a Dutch oven or heavy saucepan works perfectly. You can swap out chickpeas for lentils or white beans to vary the protein source.

For extra heat, add chopped fresh chili or a dash of harissa paste.

Try adding other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for more color and texture. To make it a one-pot meal, serve over cooked grains or even stuffed into warm pita pockets.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This aubergine tagine is best served warm alongside a fluffy bed of couscous or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. For a traditional Moroccan touch, try pairing it with Half Runner Beans Recipe or a fresh green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil.

If you’re looking for a bread accompaniment, warm some crusty flatbread or try the Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe (veganized by substituting cheese with a plant-based alternative) to complement the spices beautifully.

Conclusion

This vegan aubergine tagine is a celebration of flavor and wholesome ingredients, bringing the magic of Moroccan cuisine right into your kitchen. It’s a comforting, nutritious dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

The fragrant spices and tender vegetables meld together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Whether you’re enjoying it as a weeknight dinner or preparing it for a special occasion, this tagine offers a wonderful way to explore vegan cooking with bold, exciting tastes. Don’t forget to pair it with some of our other delicious recipes like the Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe for dessert or a refreshing Green Goodness Juice Recipe to round out your meal.

Enjoy your culinary adventure!

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