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: 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz); 2 cups vegetable broth; 2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped; 2 tbsp olive oil; Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I love the simplicity and flavor of this Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Tagine. It's one of those meals that I can prepare in minutes and let the slow cooker do all the work for me. The combination of spices and tender chickpeas creates a deliciously hearty dish that is perfect for dinner any day of the week. Plus, it's loaded with vegetables and nutrients, making it a wholesome option for the whole family. You just need to toss in your ingredients, and a few hours later, dinner is served!

Created by

Gwendolyn Reed

Last updated on 2026-01-12T02:43:15.243Z

When I first discovered tagine recipes, I was excited to try my hand at making a healthy version using chickpeas. The result? A delicious, robust flavor that's hard to resist! I've found that letting the flavors meld in the slow cooker really makes a difference. The longer it cooks, the better it tastes, and it fills my kitchen with an enticing aroma.

In this recipe, I always use a mix of fresh vegetables and spices to enhance the natural flavors of the chickpeas. A secret tip is to add a splash of lemon juice just before serving for a refreshing brightness. It really lifts the dish and makes it a favorite!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        It's a nourishing and filling meal that everyone will enjoy.
The slow cooking process brings out incredible flavors.
Chickpeas are high in protein, making this a healthy choice.

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The base of this Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Tagine is the chickpeas, which not only provide protein but also lend a creamy texture as they cook down. Their ability to absorb the spices enhances the overall flavor of the dish. If you don't have canned chickpeas, you can use dried ones; just soak and cook them beforehand to ensure they are soft by the end of the cooking time.

Fresh vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers add nutrition and color, but you can customize the vegetable mix based on what's in season or what you have on hand. For instance, sweet potatoes or eggplant would be excellent alternatives. Just remember, firmer veggies may need a little longer to cook down, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Tips for the Perfect Tagine

Achieving a rich, deep flavor is key in a tagine. Toasting your spices briefly in the olive oil before adding the other ingredients can intensify their aromatic qualities. Just a minute or so on medium heat is all it takes to unlock their full potential without burning them.

Don’t shy away from tasting your dish about halfway through the cooking process. This is your chance to adjust seasoning—add a pinch more salt or a dash of cayenne for heat. The final flavor profile should be bold yet balanced, harmonizing the sweetness from the apricots with the savory spices.

Ingredients

Please measure your ingredients carefully to ensure the best results.

Ingredients

2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
1 zucchini, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
2 cups vegetable broth
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your tagine in the crockpot.

Prepare the Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine the diced onion, carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Add the chickpeas and chopped dried apricots.

Add Spices and Liquids

Sprinkle in the ground cumin, ginger, cinnamon, and paprika. Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, then drizzle with olive oil. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Slow Cook

Transfer the mixture into the crockpot and cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 2.5 hours until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well blended.

Serve

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired, and enjoy your meal with some crusty bread or over rice.

Let the tagine cool slightly before storing leftovers in an airtight container.

Pro Tips

For added depth, try including chickpeas that you've cooked from dried. Soak them overnight then cook them before adding to the crockpot.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This tagine is an excellent make-ahead meal; the flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers even better. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and simply reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop until warmed through.

For long-term storage, consider freezing portions of the tagine. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Serving Suggestions

This Chickpea Tagine pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Fluffy couscous or warm quinoa can soak up the savory sauce and add a nice contrast in texture. For a low-carb option, serve it over a bed of fresh spinach or alongside a simple green salad to brighten up the meal.

To elevate your dining experience, you can drizzle a little tahini sauce or dollop some yogurt on top for creaminess. A sprinkle of toasted almonds or seeds can add a satisfying crunch, while extra fresh herbs, like parsley or mint, can enhance the dish's freshness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan as it uses chickpeas and vegetables without any animal products.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

→ Can I freeze this chickpea tagine?

Yes! It freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

→ What can I serve with this meal?

This tagine goes great with couscous, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.