Chickpea Tomato and Harissa Stew with Herby Yogurt Recipe
If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, comforting dish that excites the palate and warms the soul, look no further than this Chickpea Tomato and Harissa Stew with Herby Yogurt Recipe. It brings together the deep, smoky flavors of harissa-spiced tomato stew with the creamy, fresh burst of herby yogurt that balances perfectly. This stew is a celebration of simple ingredients that pack a punch, offering a satisfying vegetarian meal with layers of spice, tang, and texture that will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this stew is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in building the stew’s complex yet approachable flavor and appealing texture. From the fragrant spices to the creamy yogurt with fresh herbs, these components come together to create a truly irresistible dish.
- Olive oil: This forms the flavorful base for sautéing the vegetables and spices, helping to draw out their aromas.
- Diced onion: Adds a mild sweetness and forms the stew’s foundation texture.
- Minced garlic: Gives a punch of fragrance and depth.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds richness.
- Harissa paste: The star spice providing warmth, smokiness, and a gentle heat (adjust to your preference!).
- Ground cumin: Offers an earthy warmth that complements the harissa.
- Smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky undertones without overpowering.
- Crushed tomatoes: The stew’s juicy, tangy body.
- Chickpeas: Packed with protein and fiber, they bring hearty texture and nutty flavor.
- Vegetable broth or water: Keeps the stew moist and infuses subtle savory notes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and lift right at the end.
- Plain Greek yogurt: The creamy base for the herby topping that cools the stew’s spices.
- Fresh mint and cilantro or parsley: Infuse the yogurt with fresh, garden-fresh flavors.
- Lemon juice (for yogurt): Enhances the yogurt’s tanginess and freshness.
How to Make Chickpea Tomato and Harissa Stew with Herby Yogurt Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Adding diced onions and cooking until soft and translucent releases their natural sweetness, forming the flavor base. Then, stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, harissa paste, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cooking these fragrant spices together for a minute or two awakens their full aroma and builds a rich, inviting foundation for the stew.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Broth
Next, pour in crushed tomatoes along with the drained and rinsed chickpeas. Adding vegetable broth or water turns this mixture into a luscious stew. Season generously with salt and pepper, then bring to a gentle simmer. This melds the flavors beautifully while softening the chickpeas, letting every component sing in harmony.
Step 3: Simmer Until Thickened
Cover the pot and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the stew thickens up nicely, concentrating the tomato and spice notes and allowing the chickpeas to soak up all the goodness. This step is key for developing that comforting, hearty texture.
Step 4: Brighten and Adjust Seasoning
Just before serving, stir in the juice of half a lemon. This bright burst of acidity cuts through the richness and balances the spicy heat. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or harissa according to your preference — this stew loves a bit of tuning to match your palate.
Step 5: Prepare the Herby Yogurt
While the stew simmers, mix plain Greek yogurt with freshly chopped mint and either cilantro or parsley, along with a teaspoon of lemon juice and a pinch of salt. This herby yogurt topping adds a luscious creamy contrast that cools the spicy stew beautifully — it’s the perfect finishing touch that elevates every spoonful.
How to Serve Chickpea Tomato and Harissa Stew with Herby Yogurt Recipe
Garnishes
A generous dollop of herby yogurt tops off each bowl, delivering a fresh, tangy creaminess. Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs over the top for extra color and brightness. A squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of good quality olive oil can also add a lovely final flourish.
Side Dishes
This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce, or a side of fluffy couscous or fragrant basmati rice for a more filling meal. For a lighter accompaniment, try a simple mixed green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to contrast the stew’s rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family-style meal, serve this stew straight from the pot with bowls of herby yogurt alongside so everyone can spoon as they please. Alternatively, present it in individual shallow bowls with a swirl of yogurt and fresh herbs arranged artfully on top. You can even use it as a vibrant topping on baked sweet potatoes for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chickpea Tomato and Harissa Stew with Herby Yogurt Recipe actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to deepen and meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this stew in advance, it freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. The herby yogurt is best made fresh, so freeze only the stew.
Reheating
Reheat the stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick after refrigeration. Top with freshly made herby yogurt just before serving to enjoy that delightful contrast of flavors and temperatures.
FAQs
Can I make this stew vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the plain Greek yogurt for your favorite plant-based yogurt to keep the dish both creamy and vegan-friendly.
How spicy is the stew?
The heat level depends on how much harissa paste you add. Start with 1 tablespoon if you prefer mild spice and increase to 2 tablespoons for a bolder kick. You can always adjust to your heat tolerance.
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
You can, but remember to soak and cook them fully before adding to the stew. Using canned chickpeas is a time-saver and still delivers great texture and flavor.
What other herbs can I use in the herby yogurt?
Besides mint and cilantro or parsley, feel free to experiment with dill, chives, or basil for varied fresh herbal notes that complement the stew.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the stew itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be mindful of what you serve with it—gluten-free bread or grains make perfect companions.
Final Thoughts
This Chickpea Tomato and Harissa Stew with Herby Yogurt Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning cozy weeknight meals, it’s a flavorful, nourishing dish that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful. Give it a try and enjoy every comforting, spicy, herby spoonful!
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Chickpea Tomato and Harissa Stew with Herby Yogurt Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This Chickpea Tomato and Harissa Stew with Herby Yogurt is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired vegetarian main course. Featuring tender chickpeas simmered in a spiced tomato and harissa sauce, complemented by a refreshing herby Greek yogurt topping, this hearty stew is perfect for a wholesome and comforting meal. It’s gluten-free, packed with protein and fiber, and easy to prepare on the stovetop in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Stew
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1–2 tablespoons harissa paste (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1½ cups vegetable broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ lemon
Herby Yogurt
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and sauté the onion: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the aromatics and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, harissa paste, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring the spices are well combined with the onion mixture.
- Add tomatoes, chickpeas, and broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, drained chickpeas, and vegetable broth or water. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, then stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the stew: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stew has thickened and flavors have melded together.
- Finish the stew: Remove the lid, stir in the lemon juice, and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or harissa paste if desired.
- Prepare the herby yogurt: While the stew simmers, in a small bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, chopped fresh mint, chopped cilantro or parsley, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Serve: Ladle the warm chickpea and tomato stew into bowls and top generously with the herby yogurt. Serve immediately with crusty bread, couscous, or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight.
- It freezes well, making it great for meal prep and leftovers.
- For a fully plant-based version, substitute the Greek yogurt with a vegan yogurt alternative.
- Adjust the amount of harissa paste to your preferred level of heat.
- Serve with crusty bread, couscous, or rice to make the dish more filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired
