Aubergine Tagine with Couscous

Tagine is a traditional North African dish, common in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Usually made in a special pot (which I don't have) tagine is a slow-cooked stew that results in a seriously satisfying combination of earthy vegetable flavors and rich spices. I love it. It's simple, cheap, filling, and nutritions. Chickpeas are a good source of zinc, folate, protein, and fiber. Really, a wonderful little gem. Excellent choice for an informal dinner party with friends or family.

Serves 6.

Makes excellent leftovers.

• 2 aubergines (eggplants), sliced and quartered
• olive oil
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 4 small potatoes, cubed
• 1 large can peeled tomatoes + juice
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce
• 1/3 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 3 cups cooked (canned or jarred) chickpeas/garbanzo beans, rinsed
• sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 2.5 cups prepared couscous

1. Sauté the aubergine in a hot skillet with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil until browned on both sides. Set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil on medium high. Sauté the onion and garlic for 5 minutes. Add the spiced and cook one minute, stirring constantly. This allows the flavors to open up. Mix in the potatoes and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in the tomatoes and their juice, plus 2/3 cups of water. Cook for 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the aubergine, chickpeas, chili sauce, and apricots. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 10-15 minutes partially covered until potatoes are tender. Add a little extra water if the tagine becomes too dry. It should be a thick saucy consistency.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the couscous according to box instructions. I like to add a veggie bullion cube to the cooking water for extra flavor.
5. Put couscous into a large serving dish and top with tagine. Serve immediately with plain yogurt and flat bread.