Vegan Tagine from Morocco

This vibrant and aromatic dish brings the rich flavors of Morocco right to your kitchen. Packed with hearty vegetables and fragrant spices, it’s a comforting vegan meal perfect for any day of the week.

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TIME1 hr 38 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 ½ cups water, or as needed 1 cup uncooked green lentils 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 tablespoon ground turmeric 1 tablespoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, finely ground salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed 1 (14 ounce) can crushed tomatoes 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced 4 cups vegetable broth

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by putting the lentils and water in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the lentils are soft and the water has mostly disappeared—this should take about 20 minutes.

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Step 2

While the lentils are cooking, heat some oil in a skillet or a tagine over medium-high heat. Toss in the onions and cook them until they’re nicely browned and soft, which usually takes around 5 minutes. Then add the garlic along with the turmeric, coriander, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let the spices toast for about 3 minutes until you can smell all those wonderful aromas.

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Step 3

Next, add the cooked lentils back into the pan along with the potatoes, crushed tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring it all to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered until the vegetables are tender—this usually takes around 40 minutes. Give it a stir every now and then to keep everything from sticking and to help the flavors meld together.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or a traditional tagine to cook slowly and evenly.
- Toast your spices briefly before adding them to deepen their aroma.
- Add dried fruits like apricots or raisins towards the end to keep their texture intact.

Why you’ll love it

This dish is full of warm spices and rich flavors that bring comfort in every bite. It’s entirely plant-based, making it healthy and suitable for many diets. The combination of vegetables and dried fruits creates a perfect balance of savory and sweet.

Serving ideas

Serve with fluffy couscous or warm flatbread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A side of fresh salad or steamed greens can add a refreshing contrast. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of color.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.