This spiced courgette with harissa and chickpeas recipe is smoky, tangy, and hearty. The sweetness of courgette balances the heat of the harissa, while chickpeas add texture. It’s one of the courgette side dish recipes I make when I want something filling yet fresh, perfect for sharing or meal prepping.
3Courgettesmedium sized, about 450g, halved lengthwise and sliced into 1cm half-moons
1tbspOlive oilextra virgin
1Red onionfinely sliced
1cloveGarlicminced
400gChickpeastin, drained and rinsed
2tspHarissa Pasteadjust to taste
½tspCuminground
½tspsmoked paprika
½Lemonjuiced
Saltto taste
Black pepperfreshly ground, to taste
Instructions
I start by heating the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. The onion goes in first, cooking gently for 5 minutes until softened. Then I add the garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika, stirring for a minute until fragrant.
The courgettes join the pan next. I cook them for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just tender. Then I stir in the chickpeas and harissa paste, coating everything well. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving keeps the flavours bright.
This dish is best served warm, but it also holds up well at room temperature, making it great for buffets or outdoor meals.