Crock Pot Moroccan Stew: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Introduction

Looking for a flavorful and aromatic dish that's perfect for a cozy night in? Look no further than this easy Crock Pot Moroccan stew. This recipe boasts a vibrant blend of spices and tender ingredients, all slow-cooked to perfection in your trusty Crock Pot.

Ingredients

For the Moroccan Stew⁚

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Garnish⁚

  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Lemon wedges
  • Plain yogurt or sour cream (optional)
  • Cooked couscous or rice (optional)

Instructions

Sauté the aromatics⁚ In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

Combine ingredients in the Crock Pot⁚ Transfer the onion mixture to your Crock Pot. Add the diced tomatoes, chickpeas, kidney beans, chicken broth, and chicken pieces. Stir to combine.

Cook on low⁚ Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Shred the chicken⁚ Using two forks, shred the chicken in the Crock Pot.

Serve and garnish⁚ Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro, lemon wedges, and a dollop of yogurt or sour cream, if desired. Serve with cooked couscous or rice, if desired.

Enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to customize your Moroccan stew⁚

  • Spice it up⁚ For a spicier stew, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Add vegetables⁚ Feel free to add other vegetables to the stew, such as diced carrots, sweet potatoes, or zucchini. Add them along with the chicken and cook until tender.
  • Use different beans⁚ Experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans.
  • Make it vegetarian⁚ Omit the chicken and add an additional can of chickpeas or kidney beans for a hearty vegetarian stew.
  • Use different protein⁚ Instead of chicken, try using beef, lamb, or even sausage.
  • Add dried fruit⁚ For a sweet and savory twist, add a handful of dried apricots or dates to the stew during the last hour of cooking.
  • Top with preserved lemon⁚ Add a tangy twist by topping the stew with slices of preserved lemon.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique Moroccan stew!

Serving Suggestions

This Moroccan stew is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions⁚

  • Serve with couscous⁚ Couscous is a classic pairing for Moroccan stew. It absorbs the flavorful broth and provides a fluffy base for the stew.
  • Serve with rice⁚ A simple bed of rice is another great accompaniment for the stew. It offers a neutral canvas for the bold flavors of the Moroccan spices.
  • Serve with flatbread⁚ Warm pita bread or naan is perfect for scooping up the stew and soaking up the delicious broth.
  • Serve as a filling for sandwiches⁚ Spoon the stew over your favorite bread for a hearty and flavorful sandwich.
  • Serve with a side salad⁚ A refreshing side salad adds a touch of lightness and freshness to the meal.
  • Serve with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream⁚ A dollop of yogurt or sour cream adds a creamy and tangy element to the stew.
  • Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs⁚ Chopped cilantro, parsley, or mint add a burst of freshness and flavor.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this Moroccan stew is sure to be a hit!

This Easy Crock Pot Moroccan Stew is a flavorful and aromatic dish that's perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal. It's packed with delicious ingredients, bursting with flavor, and incredibly easy to make. The slow-cooking process in the Crock Pot allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become incredibly tender. With its vibrant blend of spices and hearty ingredients, this Moroccan stew is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, fire up your Crock Pot, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

Tags:

Similar posts: