Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Tagine

Name: Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Tagine
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 carrot, sliced; 1 zucchini, chopped; 1 cup dried apricots, chopped; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Balanced Kitchen

I love making this Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Tagine whenever I want a simple yet hearty meal. It combines the rich flavors of traditional Moroccan spices with the nutritional power of chickpeas. Cooking it in the crockpot means I can set it and forget it, allowing all the ingredients to meld beautifully over time. Each bite is bursting with flavor, making it a fulfilling option for both weeknight dinners and cozy gatherings. Plus, it's an excellent plant-based choice for anyone trying to eat healthier without sacrificing taste.

Created by

Daphne Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:52:17.970Z

When I first tried making a tagine, I was amazed at how well the spices blended together and created an aromatic experience in my kitchen. The balance of cinnamon, cumin, and coriander really brings the dish to life. I added dried fruits like apricots for sweetness, countering the earthy chickpeas beautifully.

What surprised me the most was how, when using the crockpot, the ingredients become incredibly tender without losing their individual flavors. I recommend giving it a good stir halfway through cooking to ensure everything is evenly distributed and nothing sticks to the sides. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Wholesome ingredients that nourish the body
Perfect blend of spices that are both warm and comforting
Cooked slowly to maximize flavor without much effort

The Role of Chickpeas

Chickpeas are not just a protein powerhouse; they also serve as the backbone of the dish, contributing a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients. Their ability to absorb flavors means you'll experience a rich taste in every bite. If you're short on time, canned chickpeas work perfectly, but remember to rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve the overall flavor of the tagine.

For those who prefer cooking from scratch, dried chickpeas can be used instead. Soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the crockpot. This can enhance their flavor and texture, giving a slightly earthier taste, which complements the Moroccan spices beautifully.

Spice It Up

The spices in this tagine not only provide warmth but also a complexity that elevates the dish. Ground cumin and coriander bring depth, while cinnamon adds an unexpected sweetness. If you're aiming for a more pronounced spice profile, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste—just remember that spices can intensify as they cook.

Additionally, if coriander isn't available, ground fennel can work as a substitute, providing a slightly different flavor yet maintaining the Mediterranean essence. Always toast your spices in the pan briefly before adding them to the crockpot for an even more robust flavor.

Serving and Storing

When it's time to serve, this tagine pairs wonderfully with fluffy couscous or crusty bread, which can help soak up all those flavorful juices. Adding a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese on top can introduce a creamy element that balances the dish's spices nicely. Feel free to add more chopped fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.

For storage, the tagine keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water if necessary to maintain desired consistency. Leftovers are often even tastier as the flavors have time to meld further.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Tagine:

Main Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, sliced
1 zucchini, chopped
1 cup dried apricots, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Make sure to keep your ingredients fresh for the best flavor and nutrition!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Tagine:

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, carrot, zucchini, and dried apricots. Add the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Cook in the Crockpot

Transfer the mixture to the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.

Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Pair it with couscous or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Enjoy your Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Tagine with friends and family!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of saffron to the mix or serve with a dollop of yogurt on top.

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to experiment with the vegetables in this tagine based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Bell peppers, spinach, or sweet potatoes can all make great additions. Just be mindful of the cooking time—harder vegetables might need a bit longer to cook, while softer ones like spinach will wilt down quickly and can be added in the last hour of cooking.

If you're looking for a gluten-free option to accompany your tagine, try quinoa instead of couscous. It adds a lovely nuttiness and additional fiber to the meal without compromising the Moroccan influence.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that the tagine is too watery after cooking, you can remedy this by removing the lid of the crockpot in the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, if it’s too thick, adding a little extra vegetable broth or water can help reach the desired consistency.

Storing the tagine for too long might lead to flavors dulling over time, but this can be brightened with a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. This adds a fresh zing and enhances the overall eating experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand as they take longer to soften.

→ What can I substitute for dried apricots?

You can use raisins or dried figs as alternatives if you prefer.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.

→ Can leftovers be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze leftover tagine in an airtight container for up to three months.