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Middle Eastern Inspired Spicy Chickpea, Eggplant and Tahini Stew

midlle eastern chickpea eggplant stew

Many of my ideas for recipes are inspired not only from my extensive cookbook collection, but also from fellow bloggers. This is one such recipe that I was energized to make after reading a fairly recent post by Rosa Mayland. Rosa not only posts must-try creative recipes, but also photo essays that are breathtaking and reflections that are always thoughtful and considered.

Rosa certainly got my attention with this Middle Eastern inspired dish because it included some of my favorite ingredients. These days it seems I never can get enough eggplant or chickpeas, and with the Middle Eastern touch, complete with tahini, I was sure that this dish was not to be missed. I made some changes based on my preferences and what I had on hand, but many thanks to Rosa for the inspiration.

The addition of tahini here adds a nuttiness that is reminiscent of peanut butter. It adds a somewhat gritty coating to the plump chickpeas, and the pepper and eggplant contribute a pleasant texture and contrast to the tangy tomato broth. Spiced up with the flavors of the Middle East and some hot peppers I grew this past summer, and with the addition of fresh mint and lemon juice, this dish is one to look forward to and easy enough to make anytime of the week. Serve with rice for a complete and balanced meal.

eggplant chickpea stew

Middle Eastern Inspired Spicy Chickpea, Eggplant and Tahini StewMiddle Eastern Inspired Spicy Chickpea, Eggplant and Tahini Stew
Recipe by
Adapted from Rosa's Yummy Yums
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Published on December 8, 2014

Middle Eastern style chickpea and eggplant stew with tomatoes, tahini, fresh mint, lemon juice and spices

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Ingredients:
  • 1 cup dried chickpeas (3 cups cooked or 2 14 oz cans)
  • 6 sun-dried tomatoes, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes, drained and finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 to 3 jalapeƱos or chilies, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper or 4 fresh pepperoncini peppers, seeded and chopped
  • 1 medium eggplant, cubed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 3 small tomatoes, diced
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons tahini whisked with 5 tablespoons water
  • 1/2 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
  • 1/2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup water, or more as needed
  • juice from 1 small lemon (2 tablespoons)
Instructions:
  • Rinse and soak the chickpeas overnight in enough water to cover. Drain, rinse, and transfer to a large saucepan. Cover with fresh water, bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cover. Simmer until the peas are soft — about 1 hour. Drain and set aside.

  • Meanwhile, soak the sun-dried tomaotes in hot water for 30 minutes, then drain and chop. Set aside.

  • Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. When hot, toss in the onion and stir for 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and fry for another minute. Now add the jalapeƱos or chilies, peppers and eggplant, and stir for another 5 minutes. Add the spices, stir once, and then add the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh tomatoes. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the tomato has softened and most of the liquid has evaporated.

  • Stir in the chickpeas, tahini whisked with water, mint, parsley, salt and pepper, and 1/2 cup of water or more to achieve your desired consistency. Simmer for another few minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and serve hot.

Makes 4 servings

spicy chickpea and eggplant tahini stew

More Middle Eastern dishes from Lisa's Kitchen:
Mesopotamian Barley, Chickpea, Lentil, Tahini Soup
Shakshouka (Tunisian Tomato & Pepper Stew with Eggs)
Chickpeas with White and Wild Rice, Cranberries and Spices
Barley and Lentil Herbed Salad

On the top of the reading stack: The Oh She Glows Cookbook: Vegan Recipes to Glow from the Inside Out by Angela Liddon

Audio Accompaniment: silence

9 comments:

  1. Thanks for trying this recipe and sharing it with your readers! Your stew looks really mouthwatering.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  2. I've yet to meet a middle eastern inspired recipe that I didn't love! Sounds super tasty.

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  3. This is such a good idea and looks awesome too. It has inspired me to make a wintry version using butternut squash, fava beans and harissa - smelling pretty good on the stove! Thanks

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  4. Sounds good Alex. Hope you enjoyed the dish with your variations. It's such a versatile recipe.

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  5. Nice recipe Lisa, so tasty and warming. I would happily tuck in right now.

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  6. Just the description of the stew makes me feel all warm and cozy! Lovely recipe.Thanks a bunch for sending it across to the event :)

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  7. Just made this. Wow - so easy and sooooooo delicious! Highly recommend this yummy and healthy dish!

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  8. This is a fantastic recipe! Just a heads up: the onion is missing from the list of ingredients, but it's in the directions.

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  9. Omission fixed. Thank you for pointing this out!

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