Falafel, Aubergine & Harissa Tomato Stew

We could have called this recipe “What to feed a vegan in winter” because it is brilliantly easy, absolutely delicious plus it’s also a really hearty dinner that will fill you up. It’s great served with plain basmati rice but we’ve had it before with quinoa (we always cook it in vegetable stock), or orzo pasta would be good too. The beauty of this recipe is that it is versatile which is great for fussier members of the family.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 aubergines, chopped into chunks
• 1 red pepper, large dice
• 1 yellow pepper, large dice
• 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed
• 1 jar rose Harissa paste,
• 1 jar of Belazu 170g
• 400g of tin tomatoes
• 300ml of stock
• Salt and pepper
• 12 falafels (homemade or pre-prepared, either is fine)
• Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C fan, 200°C static and line a large baking sheet with parchment or bake-o-glide.

2. Add the aubergine, peppers and drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with fresh sea salt. If you like it a bit spicy, add some dried chilli flakes too. Toss to coat and roast for 30 minutes or until golden and crispy on the edges.

3. While the veggies are roasting, heat a large pan over a medium heat. Once hot, add oil (or water) and onions. Fry off for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, or until soft and slightly caramelised. Next, add the garlic and stir well – don’t let the garlic catch – just give it a minute.

4. Add the harissa paste and fry off a little with the onions and garlic for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and stock then cover. Bring it up to a good bubbling heat, and then reduce to simmer.

5. Once the veggies are done, add to the tomato stew mixture and leave for 5 minutes or so to let it all combine (when you take the veggies out, don’t turn off the oven). Season well with salt and pepper.

6. Add the falafels to the top of the stew and bake in the oven for 10 minutes. Garnish with the flat leaf parsley and serve.