Iraqi Taghrib

Authentic Iraqi Taghrib Recipe - Easy and Delicious Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: Iraq | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Iraqi Taghrib is a traditional Iraqi stew that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal. This dish is made with tender lamb, chickpeas, potatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices that create a rich and satisfying flavor profile.

History

Taghrib has been a staple in Iraqi cuisine for generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the recipe. This dish is often made during special occasions and family gatherings, as it is a dish that brings people together around the dining table.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken, cut into skinless pieces (or you can use lamb)
2 onions, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1 (8 oz (227 g)) can chickpeas, with liquid
1.5 tbsp curry powder (to taste)
0.33 cup coriander, chopped
salt
black pepper
1 chicken stock cube (maggi seasoning)
1 (8 oz (227 g)) can chopped tomatoes
2 liters water
3 tbsp tomato puree
5 medium potatoes, cut into 4 pieces

How to prepare

Fry the chicken pieces in oil or deep fry until cooked, then set aside.
In the same pan, fry the onion and garlic. Add the liquid from the chickpeas and all the spices.
Pour in the chicken stock, chopped tomatoes, and 2 liters of water. Bring to a boil and then add the tomato puree.
Add the potatoes, chickpeas, and cooked chicken. Allow it to boil until the potatoes are tender.
Serve over sliced bread or basmati rice. If serving with rice, adjust the amount of water or tomato puree to achieve a thicker sauce.
Note: You can substitute lamb or chicken breasts for the chicken. You can also add vegetables such as carrots, sweet peppers, green beans, etc., or even sweet potatoes or pumpkin.
In Iraq, people often use whatever leftovers they have, so feel free to be creative and add your preferred ingredients.

Variations

You can substitute lamb with chicken or beef for a different flavor.
Add your favorite vegetables such as carrots, sweet peppers, or green beans to the stew.
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more chickpeas and vegetables.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, you can brown the lamb before adding it to the stew.

- Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste preferences.

- Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

- Taghrib tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time for a more flavorful dish.

Serving Suggestions

Iraqi Taghrib is traditionally served over sliced bread or basmati rice. You can also enjoy it with a side of pickles or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Iraqi Taghrib is to allow the flavors to meld together by simmering the stew slowly over low heat. This will ensure that the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have lamb, you can use chicken or beef as a substitute. You can also use canned chickpeas instead of dried ones for convenience.

Make Ahead Tips

Iraqi Taghrib tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time and reheating it before serving. Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Iraqi Taghrib in a large serving bowl and garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a pop of color. You can also drizzle some olive oil on top for added richness.

Pairing Recommendations

Iraqi Taghrib pairs well with a side of pickles, olives, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with some yogurt or a dollop of hummus for a creamy contrast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Iraqi Taghrib in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the stew in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Iraqi Taghrib contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Iraqi Taghrib contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Iraqi Taghrib contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Iraqi Taghrib contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Iraqi Taghrib is a good source of iron, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains chickpeas and may not be suitable for individuals with legume allergies.

Summary

Iraqi Taghrib is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Iraqi Taghrib is a delicious and comforting stew that is perfect for a family meal or special occasion. With its tender lamb, chickpeas, and aromatic spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this traditional Iraqi recipe with your loved ones and savor the rich flavors of this hearty stew.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Iraqi Taghrib. It was many years ago, during a summer visit to my dear friend Fatima's house in Baghdad. Fatima and I have been friends since childhood, and she has always been an incredible cook. On that particular day, she invited me into her kitchen to show me how to make this traditional Iraqi dish.

As she began to gather the ingredients, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the spices and aromas that filled the room. Fatima explained that Taghrib is a dish that is typically made during special occasions and gatherings in Iraqi culture. It is a hearty stew made with lamb, vegetables, and fragrant spices that create a symphony of flavors.

Fatima's hands moved with grace and precision as she diced the onions, minced the garlic, and browned the lamb in a large pot. She added in a blend of spices that included cinnamon, cumin, and saffron, which filled the air with an intoxicating scent. As the stew simmered on the stove, Fatima shared with me the story behind the recipe.

She told me that Taghrib has been a staple in Iraqi cuisine for centuries, passed down from generation to generation. Each family has their own variation of the dish, with slight differences in ingredients and cooking methods. Fatima learned how to make Taghrib from her mother, who learned it from her grandmother, creating a lineage of culinary tradition that stretches back through time.

As the stew cooked, Fatima and I sat at the kitchen table, sipping on fragrant mint tea and reminiscing about our childhood. We laughed and shared stories of our families, our dreams, and the many meals we had shared together over the years. It was a moment of pure joy and connection, and I felt grateful to have such a dear friend in my life.

When the Taghrib was finally ready, Fatima ladled it into bowls and garnished it with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon. The aroma was irresistible, and I couldn't wait to dig in. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a place of warmth and comfort, my taste buds dancing with delight.

I knew in that moment that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. I asked Fatima to write down the recipe for me, and she gladly obliged. She handed me a piece of paper filled with her elegant handwriting, detailing each step and ingredient with care.

Over the years, I have made Iraqi Taghrib many times, each batch a tribute to the friendship and culinary tradition that Fatima and I share. I have added my own touches and variations to the recipe, incorporating different vegetables and spices to suit my taste. But no matter how I tweak it, the essence of the dish remains the same – a celebration of friendship, culture, and the joy of cooking.

As I sit here now, surrounded by the warmth of my kitchen and the memories of that summer day in Baghdad, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this recipe. It is more than just a dish – it is a connection to the past, a thread that ties me to my dear friend, and a reminder of the beauty that can be found in sharing a meal with loved ones.

I will always treasure the day that I learned to make Iraqi Taghrib, and the love and laughter that accompanied it. It is a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. And for that, I am truly grateful.