Slow-Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Tagine with Apricots

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A warming slow-cooked Moroccan-inspired tagine packed with chickpeas, sweet apricots, and fragrant spices for a rich vegetarian stew. This african-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 375 minutes pairs canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed, (14 oz) diced tomatoes, dried apricots, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 African cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat until shimmering, then add 1 diced medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker along with 2 cups drained canned chickpeas, 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, and 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the flavors meld and the stew thickens.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tbsp lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Tagine with Apricots take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Tagine with Apricots?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (14 oz) diced tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Tagine with Apricots?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Tagine with Apricots for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Slow-Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Tagine with Apricots vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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