Moroccan Chickpea Sweet Potato

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This nourishing North African stew blends tender sweet potatoes and protein-rich chickpeas with aromatic spices like cumin, cinnamon, and smoked paprika. Slow simmering melds the vegetables and spices into a richly flavored dish, finished with fresh herbs and toasted almonds for texture. Ideal for a comforting vegan and gluten-free main, it's easy to prepare and perfect when served alongside couscous or rice. The dish deepens in flavor if left overnight.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:02:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of Moroccan Chickpea & Sweet Potato Tagine, garnished with fresh cilantro and almonds. Pin
A steaming bowl of Moroccan Chickpea & Sweet Potato Tagine, garnished with fresh cilantro and almonds. | grillandbites.com

A fragrant, hearty North African stew featuring tender sweet potatoes, protein-rich chickpeas, and warming spices, simmered together for a deliciously comforting vegan main dish.

I made this tagine for my friends on a chilly evening. The aroma of cinnamon and ginger instantly made the kitchen feel warm, and everyone went back for seconds. It's the kind of dish that's perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Fresh ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
  • Red bell pepper: 1, diced
  • Sweet potatoes: 2 medium (about 500 g), peeled and cubed
  • Carrot: 1 large, sliced
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 can (400 g)
  • Chickpeas: 1 can (400 g), drained and rinsed
  • Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
  • Ground coriander: 1 teaspoon
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
  • Ground turmeric: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Ground cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
  • Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt and black pepper: to taste
  • Vegetable broth: 400 ml
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
  • Toasted slivered almonds: 2 tablespoons, optional (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges: to serve

Instructions

Cook onions:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or tagine over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Add aromatics:
Stir in garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add vegetables:
Add red bell pepper, sweet potatoes, and carrot. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add spices:
Sprinkle in cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat vegetables with spices.
Add liquids and chickpeas:
Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices), chickpeas, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
Simmer:
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30<35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender and sauce has thickened.
Finish:
Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve:
Serve hot, garnished with cilantro or parsley, toasted almonds, and lemon wedges.
Close-up of a vibrant Moroccan Chickpea & Sweet Potato Tagine, showcasing tender sweet potatoes and chickpeas. Pin
Close-up of a vibrant Moroccan Chickpea & Sweet Potato Tagine, showcasing tender sweet potatoes and chickpeas. | grillandbites.com

My family always requests this tagine for gatherings because it's both festive and nourishing. Watching everyone scoop up the stew with warm bread is my favorite part.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this tagine with steamed couscous, quinoa, or fluffy rice for a complete meal. A side of flatbread is always welcome.

Nutrition Info

Each serving contains about 340 calories, 8 g total fat, 58 g carbohydrates, and 9 g protein.

Variations

Add a handful of dried apricots or raisins for subtle sweetness. For extra heat, toss in a pinch of chili flakes or more cayenne.

Hearty Moroccan Chickpea & Sweet Potato Tagine served with lemon wedges, a comforting vegan main course option. Pin
Hearty Moroccan Chickpea & Sweet Potato Tagine served with lemon wedges, a comforting vegan main course option. | grillandbites.com

This fragrant tagine is a warming dish that brings people together. The leftovers are just as delicious & perfect for meal prep.

Recipe FAQ

What spices give this dish its unique flavor?

The stew features warm spices including cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne for subtle heat.

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but dried chickpeas should be soaked overnight and cooked thoroughly before adding to the stew for best texture.

How can I add sweetness to this dish?

Incorporate dried apricots or raisins during cooking to introduce a gentle, natural sweetness that complements the spices.

What are good serving suggestions for this stew?

Serve hot over steamed couscous, quinoa, or rice to create a complete and satisfying meal.

Is it suitable for special diets?

This dish is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for many dietary preferences. Always verify broth and canned ingredients for allergens.

Moroccan Chickpea Sweet Potato

Savory North African stew featuring sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and rich spices for a warming main course.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
40 min
Overall duration
60 min


Skill level Easy

Heritage Moroccan

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements Vegan, No dairy, No gluten

Components

Vegetables

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
05 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 17.6 oz), peeled and cubed
07 1 large carrot, sliced
08 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
09 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Spices & Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon ground cumin
02 1 teaspoon ground coriander
03 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
05 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
06 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Liquids

01 1 2/3 cups vegetable broth

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
02 2 tablespoons toasted slivered almonds (optional)
03 Lemon wedges, to serve

Directions

Phase 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or tagine over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.

Phase 02

Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 03

Cook Vegetables: Add diced red bell pepper, cubed sweet potatoes, and sliced carrot. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Phase 04

Incorporate Spices: Sprinkle ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, optional cayenne, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over vegetables. Stir well to coat evenly.

Phase 05

Add Liquids and Chickpeas: Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices, drained chickpeas, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine thoroughly.

Phase 06

Simmer Stew: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender and sauce thickens.

Phase 07

Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or parsley, toasted almonds, and lemon wedges.

Tools needed

  • Large pot or tagine
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare providers if you're uncertain about any components.
  • Contains tree nuts if garnished with almonds
  • Naturally gluten-free and vegan
  • Check store-bought broth and canned ingredients for hidden allergens

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 340
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Protein: 9 g