4 tablespoons olive oil
2 Spanish onions, chopped
¼ large green pepper, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root
2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, more to taste
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Pinch of cayenne
1 – 14oz can diced tomatoes, drained
3 carrots, peeled and diced
1 large turnip, peeled and diced , optional
2 - 1 pound chickpeas cans washed
⅓ cup diced dried apricots
2 tablespoons chopped preserved lemon or Lemon peel
½ cup chopped cilantro, more for garnish
Heat oil in a large pot over high heat. Add onion and pepper and sauté until limp, 3 minutes. Add carrots and saute until fragrant. Add garlic, ginger, salt, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, cumin, black pepper and cayenne and sauté until they release their fragrance, about 2 minutes. Add drained tomato and sauté for another minute, until darkened but not burned. (If tomato paste looks too dark too quickly, lower heat.)
Add chickpeas, tomato liquid and water to barely cover.
Return heat to a simmer. Partly cover pot, lower heat to medium low, and simmer for about 30 minutes, until chickpeas flavors blend. Add more water if needed (this should be like a stew).
Add apricots and preserved lemon to pot and continue simmering about 5 minutes longer. Season with more salt if desired, and serve garnished with cilantro.