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Spicy Harissa Chickpeas

Spicy harissa chickpeas simmered in a smoky red tomato sauce until the chickpeas are deeply infused. One-pan cooking with harissa, garlic, and cumin creates a thick, flavorful coat that’s great as a side or spooned onto flatbread.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 390
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Spicy harissa chickpeas
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp harissa paste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 14.5 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 15 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Simmer the harissa chickpeas
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté the onion for 5 minutes until soft, stirring occasionally so it cooks evenly.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, keeping the heat at medium so it doesn’t brown.
  3. Stir in the harissa paste, smoked paprika, and ground cumin, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and darkened slightly in the pan.
  4. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper, then bring to a simmer for 5 minutes so the sauce starts to thicken.
  5. Stir in the chickpeas and simmer for another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chickpeas are infused with flavor.
  6. Top with chopped fresh cilantro before serving to finish the dish fresh and aromatic.

Notes

For the best texture, keep the simmer steady (small bubbles, not a hard boil) during the last 10 minutes so the sauce reduces without drying out. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days; reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of water if needed. Freezing is yes—freeze up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating. For a lower-sodium option, use reduced-sodium crushed tomatoes and reduce added salt to taste.