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One-Pan Harissa Chickpeas Recipe

One-Pan Harissa Chickpeas

A quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring chickpeas in a spicy harissa sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 teaspoons oil
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt divided, or more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste or 4 cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons harissa paste see note for less spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 cups chopped leafy greens such as Swiss chard or spinach
  • 15 ounce can of chickpeas drained, or 1 1/2 cups cooked
  • 1 cup full fat coconut milk or coconut cream
Garnishes
  • lemon juice for garnish
  • cilantro for garnish
  • black pepper for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the oil, and once it’s hot, add the onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well to coat, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally. If the pan is drying out too much, add 2 to 3 teaspoons of water to help the pan conduct heat and for the onions to brown evenly, about 7 to 9 minutes. Then once the onions are translucent and starting to get golden on some outer edges, add the balsamic vinegar and mix well. Continue to cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.
  2. Then add in the garlic, smoked paprika, harissa, and oregano, and mix really well. Cook for a minute, so that the garlic gets cooked. Then add in the chard, remaining salt, the chickpeas, and the coconut cream and mix really well. Partially cover the pan, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, then taste and adjust the flavor. If you want more sauce, you can add more nondairy milk. If you used full fat coconut milk, the sauce probably didn’t thicken as much, and if you want it to thicken even more, add in a tablespoon or two of non-dairy yogurt or sour cream. Add in a good squeeze of lemon juice and adjust salt and heat as needed.
  3. Let everything simmer for another minute or two, if you want the sauce to thicken and glaze over the chickpeas. Switch off the heat and garnish with cilantro or parsley along with some black pepper and some more lemon juice. Serve with flatbread or rice or with some sourdough toast or garlic bread or whatever else that you like.

Notes

Adjust the level of spice by reducing the amount of harissa paste. The dish is versatile and can be served with various sides such as rice, flatbread, or toast.