Spicy Chickpea Stew (Print)

Hearty Mediterranean chickpea stew with warming spices and vegetables, ready in 50 minutes.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 2 medium carrots, diced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 zucchini, diced

→ Legumes

07 - 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Spices & Seasonings

08 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
12 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
14 - 1 teaspoon sea salt

→ Liquids

15 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
16 - 3 cups vegetable broth

→ Finishing Touches

17 - 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
18 - Juice of 1 lemon
19 - Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish

# Method:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
02 - Add minced garlic, diced carrots, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook stirring occasionally for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Stir in cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, chili flakes, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1 minute until spices become fragrant.
04 - Add drained chickpeas, diced tomatoes with juices, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook for 2–3 minutes until greens are wilted and tender.
06 - Stir in fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Its one of those rare plant-based meals that genuinely satisfies meat eaters without anyone feeling like they are missing out
  • The spice blend hits that perfect spot where its warming enough for winter but still feels light enough to eat year round
  • You probably have everything in your pantry right now which means dinner is 50 minutes away
02 -
  • The stew will thicken as it sits so if youre making it ahead, thin it with a splash of broth when reheating
  • Lemon juice is not optional here it cuts through the richness and makes all the spices pop
  • Letting the spices cook in the oil for that full minute is what develops the deep flavor profile
03 -
  • If you want extra richness, blend about one cup of the stew and stir it back in before serving
  • Toast your chickpeas in the oven for 10 minutes before adding them for a slightly nuttier flavor
  • A pinch of cinnamon might sound strange but it adds an incredible depth that people cant quite identify
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