Harissa Chickpeas Recipe

If you love bold, punchy flavors and crave a quick, wholesome meal, these Harissa Chickpeas are about to become your new favorite. Picture juicy roasted tomatoes, creamy coconut milk, and chickpeas all wrapped up in the smoky-sweet heat of harissa—this is the definition of comfort in a bowl!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated about what goes into Harissa Chickpeas, but each ingredient brings something special: from the smoky harissa paste to plump chickpeas and creamy coconut milk, they all work together to make every spoonful memorable. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe shine:

• Cherry tomatoes (fresh, halved): Roasting these brings out their natural sweetness and adds a rich, caramelized depth to the sauce.
• Olive oil: Use the good stuff if you can—a little drizzle helps everything taste richer and blend together.
• Salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning: Just the basics, but they really amplify the flavors of those roasted veggies.
• Onion (diced): The aromatic backbone of your chickpea stew—don’t rush the sautéing for maximum flavor payoff.
• Garlic (minced): Four cloves might sound bold, but trust me, it works so beautifully with harissa and tomato.
• Harissa paste: The star ingredient! Choose a harissa with the right level of heat for you—see the FAQs for swaps or DIY tips.
• Smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder: These bring extra layers of smoky savoriness and warmth (don’t skip the smoked paprika!).
• Nutritional yeast (optional): Adds a subtle cheesy, umami note, especially lovely if you’re making the dish vegan.
• Chickpeas (canned, drained): Soft and nutty, they soak up the sauce flavor while making the dish hearty and filling.
• Canned coconut milk: For a creamy, luxurious finish and a gentle sweetness to mellow the spice.
• Spinach or kale: For a pop of color and extra nutrition—both wilt down beautifully at the end.

Variations

Harissa Chickpeas are endlessly adaptable! It’s so easy to tweak this recipe based on what’s in your pantry, your spice tolerance, or even just your mood. Here are some of my favorite ways to switch things up:

• Swap in Canned Tomatoes: Save time by using a can of fire-roasted tomatoes instead of roasting fresh—the flavor stays beautifully bold.
• Dial Up or Down the Spice: Tame the heat with less harissa (or a mix of harissa and tomato paste), or turn things up with extra harissa or even chili flakes.
• Greens Galore: Use whatever wilting greens you have—baby chard, arugula, or even frozen spinach all work in a pinch.
• Make It Cream-Free: Sub in a splash of broth or any plant-based milk if coconut isn’t your vibe for a lighter but still luscious sauce.

How to Make Harissa Chickpeas

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 360°F (180°C). Spread the halved cherry tomatoes onto a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and Italian seasoning, then toss everything together. Roast for 25–30 minutes. This step caramelizes the tomatoes beautifully, concentrating their flavor and adding pure magic to the final sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While the tomatoes roast, add the rest of your olive oil to a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the diced onion and let it soften and turn translucent—about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, and let it bloom for 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it burn!).

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

To your skillet, add the roasted tomatoes, harissa paste, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and drained chickpeas. Stir everything together well, letting the seasonings coat the beans and the tomatoes break down just a bit.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Add the canned coconut milk and nutritional yeast (if using), then bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Let it bubble and thicken for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is creamy and the chickpeas are infused with those gorgeous smoky, spicy notes.

Step 5: Wilt the Greens

Gently fold in your spinach or kale and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until they turn tender and vibrant. Remove from heat and get ready to swoon—your Harissa Chickpeas are done! Finish with a swirl of extra coconut milk for drama if you’re feeling fancy.

How to Serve Harissa Chickpeas

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or a swirl of coconut milk brings vibrancy and an extra pop of flavor to each bowl of Harissa Chickpeas. For crunch, try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or dukkah on top!

Side Dishes

This dish sings when scooped up with warm, pillowy flatbread or served over a fluffy bed of couscous or rice. It’s also fantastic with a crisp, cooling cucumber salad or a slice of crusty bread to mop up every drop of that spicy, creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling Harissa Chickpeas into pita pockets with shredded lettuce and a dollop of vegan yogurt, or tuck them into a baked sweet potato for a hearty, memorable lunch. For brunch, use them as a spicy base for poached eggs or tofu “eggs.”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer your Harissa Chickpeas to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days, making them perfect for meal prep or easy weeknight dinners.

Freezing

Harissa Chickpeas freeze beautifully! Just portion them into freezer-safe containers (let them cool first), and they’ll keep for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and give them a good stir before reheating to recombine the coconut milk if it separates.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or plant milk to loosen the sauce if needed. The flavors deepen as they sit—leftovers might taste even better the next day!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s as exciting and nourishing as it is flexible, Harissa Chickpeas truly check all the boxes. Don’t be surprised if you soon find yourself craving these rich, spicy, and comforting chickpeas again and again—go ahead, give them a try and make your own kitchen magic!

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