Velvety Moroccan Vegetable Tagine with Zesty Za'atar Spice

This Velvety Moroccan Vegetable Tagine with Zesty Za'atar Spice is a rich and aromatic stew that combines a medley of hearty vegetables, aromatic spices, and the unique tanginess of za'atar. A staple in North African cuisine, this dish is traditionally slow-cooked in a special pot called a tagine, which helps blend the flavors to perfection. It's a perfect vegetarian meal option that's both healthy and extremely flavorful.

Ingredients:- 1 large onion, finely chopped- 3 cloves garlic, minced- 2 tablespoons olive oil- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped- 1 large zucchini, chopped- 1 red bell pepper, chopped- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped- 1 can (14.5 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes- 1 cup vegetable broth- 1 tablespoon tomato paste- 1 teaspoon ground cumin- 1 teaspoon ground coriander- 1 teaspoon paprika- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric- 1 teaspoon za'atar spice blend- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base: In a large tagine or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the Vegetables: Add the carrots, zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers to the pot. Stir well to combine and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.

3. Incorporate the Chickpeas and Tomatoes: Stir in the chickpeas, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and tomato paste, mixing thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.

4. Spice it Up: Add the ground cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, and za'atar spice blend. Stir well to ensure the spices evenly coat the vegetables and chickpeas.

5. Simmer the Tagine: Pour in the vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let the tagine simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

6. Season and Serve: Remove the lid, season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the freshly chopped cilantro. Allow the tagine to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions:Serve the Velvety Moroccan Vegetable Tagine with steamed couscous or warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with additional cilantro or a sprinkle of za'atar for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy this delightful and fragrant dish that brings the vibrant taste of Moroccan cuisine right into your home!