Chickpea Tomato and Harissa Stew with Herby Yogurt Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with warmth, flavor, and a touch of spice, you’ve got to try this Chickpea Tomato and Harissa Stew with Herby Yogurt Recipe. It’s a hearty, comforting stew that perfectly balances the earthiness of chickpeas with the smoky heat of harissa and the bright freshness of a tangy herby yogurt topping. This recipe is an absolute gem for busy weeknights or anytime you crave something soulful with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chickpea Tomato and Harissa Stew with Herby Yogurt Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in layering flavors and textures that are both satisfying and vibrant.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped: Provides sweetness and depth to the stew base.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with fragrant warmth.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the stew slightly.
- 1–2 tablespoons harissa paste: Brings smoky, spicy heat—adjust to your preferred spice level.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds earthy, warm undertones.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Contributes a mellow smokiness that complements harissa.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Offers an unexpected hint of sweetness that brightens the spices.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Forms the juicy, tangy tomato base for the stew.
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed: The hearty star ingredient, fueling the stew with protein and texture.
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth: Adds moisture and depth without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt: Creates a cooling, creamy finish when mixed with herbs.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds bright acidity that lifts the yogurt’s flavor.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Gives a fresh, green note to the yogurt dip.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint: Adds refreshing brightness to balance the stew’s spices.
How to Make Chickpea Tomato and Harissa Stew with Herby Yogurt Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté it gently for about 5 to 6 minutes until it turns soft and translucent. This step is key because the sweet softened onions form the flavorful foundation of your stew.
Step 2: Build the Spice Base
Next, stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, and harissa paste along with the warm spices: cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cinnamon. Cook everything together for 1 to 2 minutes so that the spices bloom and the mixture becomes wonderfully fragrant. This is where the magic begins to develop!
Step 3: Simmer the Stew
Add the diced tomatoes, chickpeas, and vegetable broth to the pot. Give everything a good stir and bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to let the flavors meld. The stew will thicken slightly and become rich and inviting.
Step 4: Season and Prepare the Herby Yogurt
Once your stew has simmered to perfection, season it with salt and pepper to taste. Meanwhile, mix the Greek yogurt with lemon juice, chopped parsley, and fresh mint in a small bowl. This herby yogurt topping adds a creamy, cooling contrast to the vibrant stew, making each bite more delightful.
How to Serve Chickpea Tomato and Harissa Stew with Herby Yogurt Recipe
Garnishes
Serve the stew hot in bowls and crown each serving with a generous dollop of the herby yogurt. A sprinkle of extra fresh herbs like parsley or mint brightens the plate visually and flavor-wise, making your meal feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This stew pairs perfectly with crunchy crusty bread great for soaking up every last drop, or fluffy couscous and steamed rice to soak in the rich sauce. Choose your favorite carb companion to make this a complete and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the stew inside warm pita pockets with the herby yogurt drizzled on top. You can also layer it over baked potatoes or roasted veggies for a colorful, cozy dinner that’s a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stew keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen as it rests, making leftovers even better than the fresh batch.
Freezing
You can freeze the stew (without the yogurt topping) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, ensuring you maintain its hearty texture and rich flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your stew gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm throughout. Add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. Top with fresh herby yogurt just before serving to keep that fresh, tangy contrast.
FAQs
Can I make this stew vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the Greek yogurt for your favorite plant-based yogurt to keep the creamy topping while making the dish completely vegan-friendly without losing any delicious flavor.
How spicy is the harissa paste?
Harissa’s heat level can vary a lot by brand. It often ranges from mild to fairly spicy, so start with 1 tablespoon, taste as you go, and add more if you want an extra kick.
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, but remember to soak and cook dried chickpeas ahead of time as they take much longer to prepare than canned. Using canned chickpeas is a real time-saver and works perfectly well in this recipe.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Definitely. After sautéing the onions and spices, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for around 4 to 6 hours. Add the herby yogurt just before serving for the best texture.
What can I substitute for fresh herbs in the herby yogurt?
If you don’t have fresh parsley or mint, dried herbs will work in a pinch, though fresh adds the brightest flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice will help brighten any simple yogurt topping as well.
Final Thoughts
This Chickpea Tomato and Harissa Stew with Herby Yogurt Recipe is one of those dishes that warms you from the inside out and impresses without demanding too much time or fancy ingredients. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or cozy nights in, offering layers of bold, comforting flavors and a lovely balance between spicy and creamy. Trust me, once you try this stew, it’ll quickly become a favorite you reach for again and again—enjoy every flavorful spoonful!
Print
Chickpea Tomato and Harissa Stew with Herby Yogurt Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and hearty Chickpea Tomato and Harissa Stew, perfectly balanced with warm spices and a kick of harissa heat, served with a refreshing herby Greek yogurt topping. This Middle Eastern-inspired vegetarian stew is easy to make on the stovetop and is ideal for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Stew Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1–2 tablespoons harissa paste, adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Herby Yogurt Topping
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
Instructions
- Sauté the Onion: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 5–6 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, harissa paste, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and ground cinnamon. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant, allowing the spices to bloom.
- Simmer the Stew: Add the diced tomatoes, drained chickpeas, and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally until the stew thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Prepare the Herby Yogurt: While the stew simmers, combine Greek yogurt with lemon juice, chopped parsley, and chopped mint in a small bowl. Mix well to create a fresh, tangy topping.
- Serve: Ladle the hot stew into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of the herby yogurt for added creaminess and flavor contrast.
Notes
- This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or couscous for a fuller meal.
- For a vegan option, substitute the Greek yogurt with your choice of plant-based yogurt.
- Harissa paste varies in spiciness; start with less and add more to suit your heat preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
