One-Pan Harissa Chickpeas are a quick and tasty dish featuring chickpeas cooked in zesty harissa sauce. It’s colorful, full of flavor, and so easy to clean up afterward!
I love making this when I want something simple yet delicious. Just toss everything in a pan, and dinner is served! Plus, it’s perfect with rice or bread for a satisfying meal. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chickpeas: These legumes are the star of the dish, providing protein and fiber. If you’re in a pinch, you can use canned lentils instead for a similar texture, though the flavor will change a bit.
Harissa Paste: This North African spice blend adds a unique heat and depth. For milder spice, you can mix in some tomato paste with paprika. If harissa isn’t available, chili paste or even a mix of spices like cumin and cayenne will work.
Coconut Milk: This gives creaminess to the dish. If you prefer not to use it, dairy milk or cashew cream can be good alternatives for a different kind of richness. Just remember that it will change the flavor slightly.
Vegetable Broth: Adds great base flavor. You can swap it with chicken broth if you don’t need it to be vegetarian. Water will work too, but the dish will be less flavorful.
How Can I Sauté Onions to Perfection?
Sautéing onions is a simple but crucial technique in many recipes. It brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to the dish. Here’s how to get it right:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and stir them occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook for about 5 minutes until they turn see-through and soft, but don’t let them brown too much.
Remember, patience is key! Low and slow makes for the best-tasting onions.
One-Pan Harissa Chickpeas Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste (or to taste)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or water)
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (for creaminess)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil, for sautéing
- Optional: Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious one-pan recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to cook. So in total, you’ll need about 30-35 minutes from start to finish to enjoy your flavorful harissa chickpeas.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions:
Begin by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for around 5 minutes, or until the onions are softened and look translucent. This step adds a lovely flavor base for your dish!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, throw in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts to smell amazing!
3. Mix in the Harissa:
Add the harissa paste to the pan, letting it cook for about 1 minute. This will help bring out the robust flavors of the harissa.
4. Combine Remaining Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add the drained chickpeas, diced tomatoes (including their juice), ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together well to combine the ingredients.
5. Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly. This will help all those tasty flavors meld together!
6. Stir in Coconut Milk:
Add the coconut milk to the pan and mix it in for a creamy texture. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes—this makes the dish even more delicious!
7. Adjust Seasoning:
Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little extra salt or harissa can go a long way!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, top your one-pan harissa chickpeas with chopped cilantro or parsley. If you like a little zing, serve with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your warm, flavorful meal!
Can I Use Dried Chickpeas Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can use dried chickpeas, but you’ll need to soak and cook them first. Soak 1 cup of dried chickpeas overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse, then cook them in fresh water until tender (about 1-1.5 hours) before using them in this recipe.
What If I Don’t Have Harissa Paste?
If you don’t have harissa paste, you can substitute with a mix of chili powder, cumin, and a squeeze of lemon juice to mimic the heat and flavor. Start with 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and adjust to taste! Alternatively, you can use sriracha or another chili paste, keeping in mind that it may change the flavor profile.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water if it looks too thick.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just add them in step 4 along with the chickpeas and tomatoes, adjusting the cooking time as needed to ensure they’re tender.
