If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that’s both hearty and completely plant-based, this vegan tagine recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. A traditional North African dish, tagine is named after the unique earthenware pot used to slow-cook a medley of vibrant vegetables and spices, resulting in tender, aromatic, and deeply satisfying meals.
Our vegan version is packed with seasonal vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and a fragrant blend of spices that will transport your taste buds straight to Morocco. Perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is a celebration of wholesome ingredients and bold flavors.
Not only is this vegan tagine delicious and nutritious, but it’s also incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to plant-based meals, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience.
Plus, it pairs beautifully with couscous, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal. Ready to dive into a pot of warm, spiced goodness?
Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan tagine recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that are sure to please any palate. It’s:
- Rich in nutrients: Bursting with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein from chickpeas and fresh vegetables.
- Easy to customize: Swap in your favorite seasonal veggies or add dried fruit like apricots for a sweet twist.
- Perfect for meal prep: Makes great leftovers and tastes even better the next day.
- Comforting and warming: Ideal for chilly evenings or when you need a little culinary escape to Morocco.
- Completely plant-based: Free from animal products, gluten-free if you serve with gluten-free grains.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup butternut squash, cubed
- 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish
- Juice of 1 lemon
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or tagine with a lid
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Can opener
- Bowl for rinsing chickpeas
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in your tagine or large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and spices (cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to release the spices’ aromas.
- Stir in the carrots, sweet potato, bell pepper, zucchini, and butternut squash. Toss well to coat the vegetables in the spices.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add the chickpeas and dried apricots if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the tagine cook for 30-40 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and give it a final gentle stir.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
For authentic flavor, use a traditional tagine pot if possible, but a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid works just as well.
Try adding other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for a different texture and taste.
If you prefer a sweeter tagine, increase the amount of dried apricots or add a handful of raisins.
To add protein variety, toss in some cooked lentils or tofu cubes.
Serve with fluffy couscous, crusty bread, or even over quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 12 g |
Carbohydrates | 50 g |
Dietary Fiber | 12 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Saturated Fat | 1 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan tagine pairs beautifully with a range of sides. For a traditional Moroccan experience, serve it alongside fluffy couscous or warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
You can also opt for quinoa or brown rice for a wholesome, gluten-free meal.
For added texture and freshness, consider a simple cucumber and tomato salad with a lemon vinaigrette. Roasted or steamed greens like kale or Swiss chard make wonderful accompaniments, balancing the richness of the tagine.
If you love dips, a cool vegetable dip or a side of hummus can round out your meal perfectly.
Conclusion
This vegan tagine recipe is a vibrant, nutritious, and deeply satisfying dish that offers an authentic taste of North African cuisine without any animal products. The slow-cooked vegetables and spices create a comforting harmony of flavors that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
It’s easy to customize and can be prepped ahead, making it a versatile choice for any plant-based kitchen.
Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, this tagine is a wonderful way to explore bold spices and seasonal produce. Don’t forget to check out other delicious plant-based recipes like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious, Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves, and Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas to keep your meals exciting and wholesome.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Tagine
Description: A flavorful Moroccan-inspired vegan tagine loaded with vegetables and aromatic spices. Perfect for a hearty and healthy meal.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup butternut squash, cubed
- 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Stir in carrots, bell pepper, zucchini, and butternut squash; cook for 5 minutes.
- Add cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; stir well.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Stir in chickpeas and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 50 g
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