Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds
  • 3 teaspoons olive oil
  • 2 brown onions, halved, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 2 large carrots, cut into short sticks
  • 3 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 3 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 2 (400 g) cans diced tomatoes
  • 2 (400 g) cans chickpeas
  • 1/2 cup dried pitted dates
  • 50 g baby spinach leaves
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 3 teaspoons lemon juice or 1/2 teaspoon citric acid
  • fresh coriander sprig, to serve
  • ground cinnamon, to serve
  • couscous, to serve

Method

  • Preheat oven to 180°C.
  • Spread the almonds over a baking tray. Bake in oven for 4 minutes or until toasted. Transfer to a heatproof bowl. (You can also toast these in the microwave if preferred).
  • Heat oil in a deep frypan or wok over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and carrot, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until the onion is soft. Add the cumin, ginger and turmeric, and stir to coat and toast the spices.
  • Add the stock and tomatoes. Bring to the boil. Add the chickpeas and dates. Simmer until the sauce thickens to desired consistency and carrots are cooked, about 10-15 minutes.
  • Roll up the spinach leaves and slice finely, and add to the tagine, allowing it to wilt. Stir in the honey and lemon juice/citric acid. Season with salt and pepper as required.
  • Divide the tagine among the serving dishes (on cous cous if desired). Sprinkle with almonds and cinnamon. Top with coriander to serve.