Fragrant dish captures flavours of Moroccan tagine without hours of work

Vegetables mixed with fragrant spices of cinnamon, ginger and turmeric make a savoury Moroccan tagine. A tagine is a dish made in a glazed earthenware dish with a conical lid, which is also called a tagine. Steam gathers at the top of the lid and falls on the food, keeping it moist. Any type of skillet or casserole can be used for this quick dish.

This recipe captures the flavours of a Moroccan tagine without the usual hours spent cooking one. To speed the cooking time even more, the sweet potatoes first cook for a minute in the microwave oven. 

Countdown:

Prepare ingredients.

Microwave the potatoes.

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VEGETABLE TAGINE

1/2 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes (about 2 cups)

1 tablespoon olive oil, divided use

1 cup sliced onion

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup reduced-sodium chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup reduced-sodium lentils, rinsed and drained

3 cups reduced-sodium canned whole tomatoes with their juice

1/2 cup raisins

10 fresh cilantro sprigs

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Several cilantro leaves for garnish

Microwave potatoes on high for 1 minute. Set aside. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute 5 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to saute 2 minutes. Add the ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon. Stir to combine. Saute 1 minute. Add the sweet potatoes, chickpeas, lentils, tomatoes, raisins and cilantro sprigs. Break up tomatoes with the edge of a cooking spoon. Cover with a lid, lower heat to medium and simmer 10 minutes. Remove cilantro sprigs and add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle cilantro leaves on top.

Tribune News Service