Middle Eastern Jackfruit and Chickpea Stew with Zough

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Saramin (@678sarin)

A flavorful and aromatic Middle Eastern-inspired stew made with young jackfruit, chickpeas, and a blend of spices, served with zough sauce.

Middle Eastern Jackfruit and Chickpea Stew with Zough recipe
Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
1hr 0min
Total Time
1hr 30min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl)

Stew

  • olive oil
    olive oil
    2tbsp
  • large onion, finely chopped
    large onion, finely chopped
    1piece
  • tin of young jackfruit in brine, drained
    tin of young jackfruit in brine, drained
    565g
  • garlic, finely chopped
    garlic, finely chopped
    6clove
  • finely grated ginger
    finely grated ginger
    2tsp
  • baharat spice mix
    baharat spice mix
    5tsp
  • tomato paste
    tomato paste
    2tbsp
  • soy sauce or tamari
    soy sauce or tamari
    1tbsp
  • tin of peeled plum tomatoes or 3 medium ripe tomatoes
    tin of peeled plum tomatoes or 3 medium ripe tomatoes
    400g
  • vegetable (vegan) stock cube
    vegetable (vegan) stock cube
    1piece
  • fresh or dried bay leaf
    fresh or dried bay leaf
    1piece
  • coarse sea salt
    coarse sea salt
    1/2tsp
  • hot chilli or a squeeze of harissa paste
    hot chilli or a squeeze of harissa paste
    pinch
  • Medjool dates, diced finely
    Medjool dates, diced finely
    80g
  • cooked chickpeas
    cooked chickpeas
    400g
  • pomegranate molasses
    pomegranate molasses
    1tbsp
  • date syrup (optional)
    date syrup (optional)
    1tsp
  • pomegranate arils, to serve
    pomegranate arils, to serve
    piece
  • quick-pickled or preserved lemon, chopped finely
    quick-pickled or preserved lemon, chopped finely
    piece
  • toasted almond flakes, to serve
    toasted almond flakes, to serve
    piece

Zough

  • coriander (or 50% coriander and 50% parsley)
    coriander (or 50% coriander and 50% parsley)
    1bundle
  • garlic
    garlic
    1clove
  • ground cardamom
    ground cardamom
    1/2tsp
  • ground cumin
    ground cumin
    1/2tsp
  • chilli flakes
    chilli flakes
    pinch
  • salt
    salt
    1/2tsp
  • olive oil
    olive oil
    tbsp
  • squeeze of lemon
    squeeze of lemon
    piece

How to make Middle Eastern Jackfruit and Chickpea Stew with Zough

Stew

  1. Step 1

    Heat up the oil in a heavy-bottomed pot.

  2. Step 2

    Add the diced onion and fry gently until almost translucent, stirring from time to time.

  3. Step 3

    Cut off the fleshy bits of the jackfruit pieces and discard any seeds. Squash the jackfruit pieces down with a fork to separate the fibers and set aside.

  4. Step 4

    Add chopped garlic and grated ginger to the pot with onion. Sauté all the aromatics together, stirring often.

  5. Step 5

    Add jackfruit pieces and baharat mix into the aromatics mixture. Fry the spices gently for a minute or two, stirring the whole time.

  6. Step 6

    Stir in tomato paste, soy sauce, squashed plum tomatoes and their juices, vegan stock cube, bay leaf, salt, chilli, chopped dates, and water.

  7. Step 7

    Simmer on low-medium heat until the tomato flesh breaks down and excess moisture evaporates, stirring from time to time.

  8. Step 8

    Add in cooked chickpeas towards the end of the simmering time.

  9. Step 9

    Season with pomegranate molasses, date syrup or sugar, and extra salt if needed.

  10. Step 10

    Allow the flavors to mature for a day before consuming if possible.

Zough

  1. Step 1

    Put coriander leaves and delicate stems, garlic, spices, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until minced finely or leave it chunkier if preferred.

  2. Step 2

    Drizzle in the oil while the processor is running. Stop once the mixture reaches a sauce consistency.

  3. Step 3

    Season with a squeeze of lemon and some extra salt if needed. Store in a jar in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

410.0kcal (20.5%)

Protein

14.0g (28%)

Carbs

58.0g (21.09%)

Sugars

12.5g (25%)

Healthy Fat

13.3g

Unhealthy Fat

2.3g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Serve the stew on some rice, preferably brown rice, with a dollop of zough, some finely chopped preserved or quick-pickled lemons, and toasted almonds.

FAQS

  1. How do I store Middle Eastern Jackfruit and Chickpea Stew with Zough for later use?

    To store your Middle Eastern Jackfruit and Chickpea Stew, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the stew in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

  2. What are some good substitutions for ingredients in the Jackfruit and Chickpea Stew?

    If you can't find young jackfruit, you can substitute it with canned artichoke hearts or mushrooms for a similar texture. For the baharat spice mix, you can create your own blend using equal parts cumin, coriander, paprika, and a pinch of cinnamon. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Additionally, you can replace Medjool dates with dried apricots or raisins for sweetness.

  3. Is the Middle Eastern Jackfruit and Chickpea Stew suitable for a vegan diet?

    Yes, this Middle Eastern Jackfruit and Chickpea Stew is entirely vegan! It uses plant-based ingredients like jackfruit, chickpeas, and vegetable stock, making it a great option for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet.

  4. What can I serve with Middle Eastern Jackfruit and Chickpea Stew to enhance the meal?

    To complement the flavors of the Jackfruit and Chickpea Stew, consider serving it with warm pita bread, fluffy couscous, or a side of rice. A fresh salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette would also pair nicely. Don't forget to drizzle some zough sauce over the stew for an extra kick!

  5. How can I make the flavors of the Jackfruit and Chickpea Stew more intense?

    To enhance the flavors of your Jackfruit and Chickpea Stew, allow it to sit for a day in the refrigerator before serving. This resting period helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Additionally, you can add more spices or a splash of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the dish.

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Saramin

(@678sarin)

My name is Saramin is a culinary enthusiast with a flair for transforming everyday ingredients into delightful, flavour-packed dishes. Passionate about home cooking, Sarin specializes...

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