If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, comforting textures, and a touch of Middle Eastern magic, the Chickpea, Tomato, and Harissa Stew with Herby Yogurt Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This stew is a vibrant celebration of spicy harissa, tender chickpeas, and sun-ripened tomatoes, all perfectly balanced by the cool, fresh zing of herby yogurt. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or entertaining friends, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a heartwarming, unforgettable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this stew so irresistible are the simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy chickpeas adding body, to the harissa bringing that signature spicy kick, and the fresh herbs in the yogurt brightening every bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for sautéing the aromatics and adding a smooth richness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides a sweet base that softens and deepens with cooking.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds pungent warmth and depth to the stew.
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger: Offers a subtle zing that wakes up the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon harissa paste: The star spice mix delivering smoky heat; adjust to taste!
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed: Adds hearty protein and a creamy texture.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: Brings acidity and natural sweetness for balance.
- 1 cup vegetable broth: Creates the perfect base, making it stew-like but still light.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Introduces warm, earthy undertones that complement harissa.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds subtle smokiness enhancing the stew’s depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional): A touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): A whisper of warmth to elevate the stew’s complexity.
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: For the creamy, cooling herby yogurt topping.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Adds bright acidity to the yogurt.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh herbs that bring vivid color and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped: Earthy and fresh, perfect to brighten the dish.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: A small drizzle to enrich the herby yogurt.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Necessary seasonings to balance the yogurt’s flavors.
How to Make Chickpea, Tomato, and Harissa Stew with Herby Yogurt Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and cook it gently until it becomes soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step unlocks the natural sweetness of the onions, creating a flavorful foundation for the stew.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Next, toss in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger. Stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until their wonderful aromas fill your kitchen. This step ensures every spoonful of stew has that warm, fragrant depth that keeps you coming back for more.
Step 3: Add the Harissa and Spices
Now, stir in the harissa paste along with the ground cumin and smoked paprika. These spices bring smoky, spicy, and earthy notes that define the essence of this stew. Cook them together for a minute to let the flavors bloom beautifully.
Step 4: Mix in Chickpeas, Tomatoes, and Broth
It’s time to add your chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pan. This combination turns the dish into a satisfying stew with plenty of body and richness. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a hint of cinnamon and a touch of honey or maple syrup for rounded, unexpected warmth.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the entire mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes so all those flavors can marry and the stew thickens just slightly into that perfect hearty consistency you want for dipping or spooning.
Step 6: Prepare the Herby Yogurt
While your stew simmers, combine the plain Greek yogurt with fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, cilantro, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and set aside. This herby yogurt topping will brighten and mellow out every bite of your spicy stew.
How to Serve Chickpea, Tomato, and Harissa Stew with Herby Yogurt Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro over the top for a burst of color and freshness. A generous dollop of the herby yogurt on each serving adds creaminess that balances the robust heat of the stew, making it absolutely irresistible.
Side Dishes
This stew shines when paired with warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop, fluffy couscous for an airy contrast, or even a simple bed of steamed rice. These sides offer both texture and a subtle backdrop that lets the stew’s spicy, tangy flavors take center stage.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stew in rustic bowls with a swirl of herby yogurt artfully drizzled on top for an Instagram-worthy meal. For a fun twist, turn this dish into a vibrant grain bowl by adding roasted vegetables and toasted nuts, giving layers of flavor and crunch with each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stew gets even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and meld, making for an easy, delicious meal whenever hunger strikes again.
Freezing
You can freeze the stew without the herby yogurt. Transfer cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead meal option when you need a wholesome, crave-worthy dinner in minutes.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Always add fresh herby yogurt after reheating to keep that bright, creamy contrast sharp and fresh.
FAQs
Can I adjust the spice level of the stew?
Absolutely! The harissa paste is where most of the heat comes from, so start with less and add more according to your preference. You can also balance the spice with extra honey or lemon juice if needed.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes! Just use vegetable broth for the stew and swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut or almond yogurt to keep the creamy herby topping vegan-friendly.
What can I substitute for harissa paste if I don’t have it?
If you don’t have harissa, you can mix chili powder with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cumin for a similar flavor profile. Adding a touch of tomato paste and olive oil helps mimic the harissa’s consistency too.
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
You can, but remember to soak and cook dried chickpeas until tender before adding them to the stew. This adds extra prep time but can make the stew even more satisfying.
How long does the stew keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the stew stays fresh for about 3 days. Beyond that, check for any off smells or textures before reheating and eating.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Chickpea, Tomato, and Harissa Stew with Herby Yogurt Recipe enough for anyone looking to turn simple pantry staples into a dazzling dish full of heart and spice. It’s a recipe that invites you to savor each bite, share with loved ones, and feel proud of creating something so deliciously vibrant at home. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal!
Print
Chickpea, Tomato, and Harissa Stew with Herby Yogurt Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A flavorful and comforting Chickpea, Tomato, and Harissa Stew served with a refreshing Herby Yogurt. This hearty vegan stew combines smoky spices, harissa heat, and tender chickpeas, balanced perfectly with a tangy, herb-infused yogurt sauce, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
For the Stew
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon harissa paste (adjust for spice level)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for warmth)
For the Herby Yogurt
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat to get the cooking started.
- Sauté the onion: Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, which enhances the stew’s flavor base.
- Introduce spices and harissa: Stir in 1 tablespoon harissa paste, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for a minute to toast the spices and release their aroma.
- Add chickpeas, tomatoes, and broth: Pour in the drained chickpeas, diced tomatoes with their juices, and 1 cup of vegetable broth. Add 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup if you prefer a touch of sweetness. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the stew to thicken slightly.
- Make the herby yogurt: While the stew simmers, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve: Spoon the chickpea stew into bowls and generously top each serving with the herby yogurt. Enjoy warm as a comforting and nutritious meal.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of harissa paste to your preferred spice level.
- For a non-vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth.
- The honey or maple syrup is optional but adds a nice balance to the acidic tomatoes and spicy harissa.
- Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
