Potatoes with Chickpeas in Tomato Sauce

Alright, listen up, we're making a rustic, heartwarming dish today: Patatas con Garbanzos en Salsa de Tomate - Potatoes with Chickpeas in Tomato Sauce! This is comfort food at its finest, packed with flavor and surprisingly versatile. You can serve it as a hearty vegetarian main, a flavourful side, or even top it with a fried egg for an extra layer of richness.

Yields: 4-6 servings Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes - 1 hour (depending on potato size)

Ingredients:

• Produce:
  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (Yukon Golds hold their shape well, but you can also use Russets or red potatoes if you prefer)
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
  • 2 ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped (or one 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (pimentón de la Vera – gives a lovely smokiness)
  • ½ tsp sweet paprika
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Pantry:
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional:
  • A splash of sherry vinegar (for brightness at the end)
  • A pinch of saffron threads (for extra flavour and colour, but not essential)

Equipment:

• Large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics (10 minutes): Heat the olive oil in the large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes, until fragrant. Don't let the garlic burn!

2. Build the Tomato Sauce (10 minutes): Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes), tomato paste, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly and the flavors to meld. This deepens the flavour!

3. Add Potatoes and Chickpeas (5 minutes): Add the cubed potatoes, drained and rinsed chickpeas, bay leaves, and vegetable broth to the pot. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Simmer and Cook (30-45 minutes): Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The cooking time will depend on the size of your potato cubes. You want them fork-tender, but not falling apart.

5. Adjust and Finish (5 minutes): Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more broth. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce it. If using saffron, add it in the last 5 minutes of cooking to infuse the broth. Finally, stir in a splash of sherry vinegar (if using) for a touch of acidity.

6. Serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the Potatoes with Chickpeas in Tomato Sauce into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Chef's Notes & Tips:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.
• Broth Consistency: For a thicker sauce, you can mash a few of the potatoes against the side of the pot towards the end of the cooking time.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or spinach. Add carrots at the same time as the potatoes, zucchini in the last 15 minutes, and spinach right at the end to wilt.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually improve overnight!
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Smoked Paprika: This is key to the flavour profile of the dish. Don't skimp on it! If you can't find smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika, but you'll lose the smokiness.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting Patatas con Garbanzos! ¡Buen provecho!