Slow-Simmered Moroccan Chickpea Tagine with Preserved Lemon

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

A fragrant Moroccan tagine featuring tender chickpeas simmered with preserved lemon and warm spices, perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal. This moroccan-inspired vegan (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 130 minutes pairs dried chickpeas, olive oil, medium, finely chopped yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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: 10 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Moroccan cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 1 cup dried chickpeas in cold water overnight, then drain and rinse.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the soaked chickpeas, 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 small preserved lemon rind finely chopped, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Cover and reduce heat to low; simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until chickpeas are tender and sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Moroccan Chickpea Tagine with Preserved Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 130 minutes (10 min prep + 120 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-Simmered Moroccan Chickpea Tagine with Preserved Lemon?

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 dried chickpeas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Moroccan Chickpea Tagine with Preserved Lemon?

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-Simmered Moroccan Chickpea Tagine with Preserved Lemon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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-Simmered Moroccan Chickpea Tagine with Preserved Lemon vegetarian?

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

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