Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Tagine

Name: Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Tagine
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz.); 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups vegetable broth; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love making this Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Tagine when I want a wholesome, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The aroma of spices like cumin and coriander fills the room as it slowly cooks, and I feel a sense of accomplishment knowing I'm serving something nutritious. Using a crockpot allows the flavors to meld beautifully while I go about my day, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeks. Plus, it's a great way to incorporate more plant-based meals into my diet!

Created by

Sienna Brooks

Last updated on 2026-01-12T00:22:14.172Z

When I first tried making this Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Tagine, I was amazed by how simple yet delicious it turned out. I combined canned chickpeas with chopped vegetables, spices, and a bit of vegetable broth. The results were transformative; each bite was a burst of flavors that made me fall in love with plant-based cooking all over again. The crockpot really pulls all the flavors together.

The trick I found is to let it cook longer on the low setting. This method softens the chickpeas and brings out the richness of the spices. I often add sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness that complements the savory notes beautifully. Now, this dish is a staple in my home, perfect for meal prep!

        You'll Love This Recipe Because
        It’s packed with protein and fiber from chickpeas.
The spices create a warm, comforting flavor profile.
It’s a simple, one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare.

      

The Role of Chickpeas

Chickpeas are the star ingredient in this tagine, providing a hearty base and an excellent source of protein and fiber. When cooked in the crockpot, they soften beautifully, absorbing the rich flavors of the spices and broth. If you're using dried chickpeas, be sure to soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they will require additional hours to reach the desired tenderness.

Their mild, nutty flavor pairs well with the warm spices in this dish, enhancing the overall taste and making each bite satisfying. For a twist, you could experiment with other legumes like lentils; however, be mindful that cooking times will differ, as lentils typically cook faster than chickpeas.

Spice It Up

The spice blend in this Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Tagine contributes significantly to its flavor profile. Ground cumin and coriander are essential, as their earthy and citrusy notes complement the sweetness of the carrots and zucchini. If you want to add some heat, consider incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeño when adding the vegetables.

To elevate the dish even further, you could include a handful of raisins or dried apricots. Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with the spices and adds a delightful chewiness that balances the texture. Just toss them in at the beginning with the other ingredients, so they soften and infuse their flavor throughout the cooking process.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This tagine is perfect for meal prep! Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well; simply portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of vegetable broth if it appears too thick.

For serving variations, consider pairing the tagine with a side of couscous, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it over a bed of spinach for a warm salad option. Adding a dollop of yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can enhance the flavor and add a refreshing finish.

Ingredients

For the Tagine

2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz.)
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
1 zucchini, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups vegetable broth
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, onion, carrots, zucchini, garlic, and all the spices.

Add to Crockpot

Transfer the mixture to a crockpot and pour in the vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.

Cook

Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. Stir occasionally if possible.

Finish and Serve

Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Pro Tips

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or sweet potatoes for variety. This dish also pairs wonderfully with couscous or rice.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your tagine is too watery, this may be due to the canned tomatoes. To fix this, you can either remove the lid of your crockpot for the last hour to allow some liquid to evaporate, or you can stir in a slurry of cornstarch mixed with a little water to thicken it up. A final simmer on the stovetop can also help achieve the desired consistency.

Conversely, if the tagine turns out too thick, adding a bit more vegetable broth or water can help reach your preferred texture. Keep in mind that flavors intensify as it cooks, so adjusting with spices should be done cautiously.

Ingredient Substitutions

While chickpeas are ideal for this recipe, you can switch them with other beans if you're in a pinch. Black beans or cannellini beans can be used as substitutes, though they will alter the flavor profile slightly. If you're looking for a grain alternative, lentils can work, but remember to reduce the cooking time to about 2-3 hours on low, as they cook much quicker than chickpeas.

For a burst of additional flavor, consider using vegetable broth with added herbs or spices. If you're short on fresh herbs, dried herbs are a suitable alternative, but you'll want to use them sparingly, as they are more concentrated in flavor than fresh.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this Chickpea Tagine, you might want to consider topping it with fresh herbs like parsley or mint for added freshness. A sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds can also provide a satisfying crunch, contrasting nicely with the tender vegetables and chickpeas.

For a complete meal, pair this tagine with crusty bread for dipping, or serve it over a grain like bulgur or farro to make it even more filling. Adding a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad can round out the meal beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this tagine in advance?

Yes, this dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

→ Is the tagine gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! The tagine freezes well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

→ What can I use instead of chickpeas?

You can substitute chickpeas with lentils, but cooking time may vary. Red lentils are a quick option.