Tunisian Spiced Chickpea Breakfast Stew
This Tunisian Spiced Chickpea Breakfast Stew embodies the rich culinary traditions of Tunisia, showcasing chickpeas in a delightful and hearty stew. Traditionally enjoyed for breakfast, this dish harmonizes the earthy flavors of chickpeas with the aromatic notes of toasted cumin, vibrant harissa, and the zest of fresh lemon. Each bowl is customizable with an array of toppings, ranging from fresh herbs to pickled vegetables, making it a versatile meal suitable for any time of day. The stew not only fills your belly but also fills your kitchen with its captivating aroma. Perfectly meal-prepped, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Use any leftovers creatively, perhaps tossing them into a salad or using them as a filling for wraps. This dish is simple to prepare but deeply satisfying, proving that comfort food can be both nutritious and delectable.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
chickpeas
1 lb (washed, picked over and soaked in 2 quarts water for six hours or overnight)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
garlic
4 large cloves (green shoots removed, minced)
cumin seed
1 tablespoon (lightly toasted and ground)
harissa
2 tablespoons (to taste)
salt
to taste
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (more to taste)
lemon wedges
as needed
coarse sea salt or kosher salt
as needed
chopped fresh tomato
as desired
diced green and red bell pepper
as desired
chopped hard-boiled egg
as desired
rinsed capers
as desired
ground lightly toasted cumin
as desired
finely chopped flat leaf parsley
as desired
finely chopped cilantro
as desired
croutons
as desired
thinly sliced scallion
as desired (both white and green parts)
Instructions
1
Start by draining the soaked chickpeas and placing them in a large, heavy soup pot or Dutch oven with 2 quarts of fresh water. Bring the water to a vigorous boil, then adjust the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for one hour.
2
While the chickpeas are simmering, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a separate medium-sized heavy nonstick skillet. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about five minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion is soft and translucent.
3
Next, stir in the minced garlic and toasted ground cumin into the skillet. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to one minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, then remove the skillet from heat and gently fold the mixture into the simmering chickpeas.
4
Once the chickpeas have cooked for an hour, stir in the harissa and season with salt to taste. Cover and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes to an hour until the chickpeas are tender and the broth is aromatic. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and fresh lemon juice to your liking.
5
When ready to serve, ladle the warm stew into bowls and present a beautiful spread of your choice of condiments on a large serving tray. Guests can customize their experience by adding toppings such as fresh herbs, diced vegetables, capers, or hard-boiled eggs.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tunisian Spiced Chickpea Breakfast Stew?
It is a traditional Tunisian dish featuring chickpeas, cumin, harissa, and lemon, typically served for breakfast but suitable for any meal.
How do I prepare the dried chickpeas?
Wash and pick over 1 lb of chickpeas, then soak them in 2 quarts of water for at least six hours or overnight.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish harmonizes earthy chickpeas with aromatic toasted cumin, spicy harissa, and bright fresh lemon.
Can I store this stew for meal prep?
Yes, it is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.
What oil is best for this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for sautéing the onions.
How long does the total simmering take?
The chickpeas simmer for an initial hour, followed by another 30 to 60 minutes after adding the seasonings.
What aromatics are used in the base?
The base uses chopped onion, minced garlic, and toasted ground cumin.
How is the cumin prepared for the stew?
The cumin seeds are lightly toasted and ground before being added to the sautéed vegetables.
When do I add the harissa?
Stir in the harissa after the chickpeas have finished their first hour of simmering.
Can I adjust the lemon flavor?
Yes, you can adjust the seasoning with additional fresh lemon juice to your liking before serving.
What are common toppings for this stew?
Common toppings include fresh herbs, diced tomato, bell peppers, capers, and hard-boiled eggs.
How do I prepare the garlic?
Use four large cloves, remove any green shoots, and mince them finely.
What can I do with leftover stew?
Leftovers can be creatively used as a salad topper or as a filling for wraps.
What type of pot should I use?
A large, heavy soup pot or a Dutch oven is ideal for simmering the stew.
How much water is used for cooking the chickpeas?
The recipe calls for 2 quarts of fresh water for the simmering process.
How do I sauté the onion?
Sauté the chopped onion in olive oil over medium heat for about five minutes until soft and translucent.
What kind of salt is suggested for serving?
Coarse sea salt or kosher salt is recommended for guests to use as needed.
Are eggs a necessary ingredient?
No, hard-boiled eggs are an optional condiment for those who want extra protein.
What vegetables can be added as fresh toppings?
Diced green and red bell peppers and chopped fresh tomatoes make excellent toppings.
Is this a traditional dish?
Yes, it embodies the rich culinary traditions of Tunisia where it is a staple breakfast meal.
What herbs are used for garnish?
Finely chopped flat leaf parsley and cilantro are the recommended fresh herbs.
Can I use croutons with this stew?
Yes, croutons can be added as a topping to provide a crunchy texture.
How much harissa is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of harissa, but you can adjust this to your spice preference.
Should the chickpeas be drained before boiling?
Yes, drain the soaking water and use fresh water for the actual cooking process.
What heat setting is used for simmering?
After reaching a vigorous boil, the heat should be adjusted to low for a gentle simmer.
How do I serve the condiments?
Present a variety of toppings on a large serving tray so guests can customize their own bowls.
Can I add capers to this dish?
Yes, rinsed capers are listed as a suggested condiment for added tang.
What parts of the scallion are used?
Both the white and green parts of the scallion should be thinly sliced for the topping.
Is this stew filling?
Yes, it is a hearty and nutritious meal that is both filling and satisfying.
How do I know when the chickpeas are done?
The chickpeas are done when they are tender and the broth has become aromatic.