Spicy Chickpea Stew (Printer-friendly)

Hearty chickpeas simmered with aromatic spices, vegetables, and tomatoes for a warming, plant-based dish perfect for cold days.

# What You'll Need:

→ Legumes

01 - 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 carrots, diced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
07 - 2 cups vegetable broth
08 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
14 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
15 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
16 - 1 bay leaf
17 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Finishing Touches

18 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
19 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Add ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, ground turmeric, chili flakes, and ground cinnamon. Cook while stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in tomato paste, then add diced tomatoes, drained chickpeas, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring mixture to a boil.
05 - Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
06 - Remove lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
07 - Discard bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice and chopped fresh cilantro or parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
08 - Serve hot as is or with crusty bread and rice on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The way the smoked paprika and cinnamon play together creates this unexpected depth that will have you wondering why all stews dont include this magical pairing.
  • Its that rare dish that actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for those of us who secretly love efficient meal prep without sacrificing flavor.
02 -
  • I once rushed the spice-cooking step and ended up with a slightly bitter undertone throughout the whole pot, so now I set a timer for exactly one minute when toasting the spices.
  • The stew thickens considerably overnight in the refrigerator, so I sometimes add an extra splash of broth when reheating leftovers.
03 -
  • The stew freezes beautifully in individual portions, but add the fresh herbs and lemon juice only after reheating to preserve their bright flavors.
  • For an even deeper flavor dimension, toast and grind your own cumin and coriander seeds instead of using pre-ground spices.
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