Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Tagine

Name: Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Tagine
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium zucchini, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 carrot, chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish; Juice of 1 lemon

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I adore making this Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Tagine because it’s a simple, one-pot meal that satisfies my cravings for bold flavors. Using a crockpot makes cooking effortless, as I can set it and forget it while the aromas fill my kitchen. Packed with spices, protein-rich chickpeas, and colorful vegetables, this dish is both nutritious and filling. It's my go-to recipe when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep and leftovers taste even better the next day!

Created by

Heidi Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-13T04:46:16.355Z

When I first tried making a chickpea tagine in my slow cooker, I was amazed at how the flavors melded together perfectly after a long, slow cook. The blend of spices creates a cozy and inviting aroma that welcomes everyone to the table. To enhance the dish, I use fresh herbs like cilantro at the end, which elevates the flavors even further.

I particularly enjoy pairing this dish with couscous or quinoa for a hearty meal. A tip I learned is to add a splash of lemon juice just before serving; it brightens the flavors and makes the dish even more refreshing. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Nutritious and filling, perfect for a hearty meal.
Aromatic spices that create an unforgettable flavor profile.
Ideal for meal prep with delicious leftovers.

      

The Role of Spices

The spices in this Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Tagine are truly the stars of the dish. Ground cumin, paprika, and coriander each bring unique flavors that enhance the overall profile. Cumin adds a warm, earthy note that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of roasted vegetables. Paprika contributes a hint of smokiness, while coriander brings a bright, citrusy freshness. Be sure to toast the spices lightly in the crockpot before adding the liquids; this step unlocks the deep flavors and aromatic oils that might otherwise stay dormant.

Don't hesitate to adjust the spice quantities to suit your palette. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you want a milder flavor, you can reduce the paprika or coriander. Experimenting with the spices can lead you to a version that becomes your personal favorite!

Cooking and Texture Tips

Cooking times can vary based on the specific model of your crockpot, so keep an eye on the texture of your vegetables. You want them tender but not mushy; overcooking can lead to a more uniform sauce rather than distinct chunks of veggies. If your crockpot runs hot, check the tagine after about 1.5 hours on high or 3 hours on low to ensure the vegetables maintain some bite.

If your chickpeas seem slightly undercooked after the designated time, that's okay! The dish can always be left to cook an additional 30 minutes or so. Just make sure to stir occasionally to monitor the sauce’s consistency. A well-cooked tagine should have a luxurious, slightly thickened sauce that clings beautifully to the chickpeas and vegetables.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

This Chickpea Tagine can be served over a bed of fluffy couscous or quinoa for a complete meal. If you're feeling adventurous, try pairing it with a side of warm pita or naan, which is perfect for scooping up the hearty dish. I also enjoy a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese on top for added creaminess and flavor contrast.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen and improve as they meld, making this dish an excellent candidate for meal prep. If you want to freeze portions, make sure to cool it completely then transfer it to freezer-safe bags. It can be frozen for up to three months; just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes
1 cup vegetable broth
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 carrot, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Juice of 1 lemon

Make sure you have everything ready before starting.

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare the tagine:

Prepare the Ingredients

Chop all the vegetables and set them aside. Rinse the chickpeas under cold water and drain well.

Layer the Ingredients

In the crockpot, start by adding olive oil. Layer the onion, garlic, and then the chopped vegetables. Follow with the chickpeas and diced tomatoes.

Season It Up

Sprinkle the cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper over the top. Pour in the vegetable broth.

Cook

Cover the crockpot and set it on low heat for 4 hours or high heat for 2 hours.

Finishing Touches

Once cooked, stir in the lemon juice and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Enjoy your delicious tagine!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding dried apricots or raisins during cooking. They complement the spices beautifully and add a hint of sweetness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're in a pinch, fresh vegetables can be swapped with frozen varieties. Just be mindful to add them closer to the end of the cooking time to prevent them from becoming mushy. Additionally, if you don't have chickpeas, other beans like cannellini or kidney beans can work well; just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they won't need as long to become tender.

For a different flavor profile, consider using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. They add a natural sweetness and vibrant color. You might also substitute vegetable broth with low-sodium chicken broth for a richer taste, especially if you're not strictly vegetarian.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable to suit larger gatherings or meal prep needs. For every additional can of chickpeas, consider increasing the broth and tomatoes by the same volume to maintain balance. Keep your seasoning proportions consistent; doubling all the spices will ensure the flavor remains robust and satisfying.

If you're cooking for fewer people, you can halve the recipe; however, the cooking time may remain the same, especially if you're using a small crockpot. Just ensure everything fits comfortably and isn't overcrowded, which can affect how evenly the ingredients cook.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried chickpeas instead?

Yes, but you'll need to soak and cook them first, as they require longer cooking times.

→ What can I serve with this tagine?

It pairs wonderfully with couscous or quinoa, but you can also serve it with crusty bread.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Absolutely! It freezes well for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it cool before sealing it in a freezer-friendly container.