Markit Ommalah (Chickpea and Lentil Stew)

Chickpea and Lentil Stew (Markit Ommalah) is a traditional Tunisian recipe for a classic stew of lentils and chickpeas flavoured with tomatoes, cumin, thyme and harissa. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Tunisian version of: Chickpea and Lentil Stew (Markit Ommalah).

prep time

20 minutes

cook time

45 minutes

Total Time:

65 minutes

Serves:

Rating:

Tags : Chilli Recipes Vegetarian Recipes Vegetable Recipes Bean Recipes Tunisia Recipes

Ingredients:

4 tbsp olive oil
2 onions, chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
60g coriander (cilantro) leaves, finely chopped
140g lentils, soaked over night and drained
450g cooked chickpeas
4 tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp dried thyme, chopped
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp harissa
750ml water
60g green olives, sliced
2 tbsp lemon juice
salt and black pepper, to taste

Method:

Heat the oil in a pan and use to fry the onions for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and coriander and fry for 3 more minutes. Now stir-in all the remaining ingredients (except the olives and lemon juice). Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for about 35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender (add more water, as necessary).

Season to taste with salt and black pepper then add the olives and lemon juice. Simmer for 5 minutes more then serve on a bed of couscous.