Spicy Chickpea Stew (Printable)

Hearty Mediterranean-style chickpea stew with vegetables and warming spices, ready in under an hour.

# Ingredient list:

→ 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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
02 - Add minced garlic, carrots, red 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, being careful not to burn them.
04 - Add drained chickpeas, diced tomatoes with their juices, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and stew thickens slightly.
05 - Stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes until just wilted. The greens should retain some texture and vibrant color.
06 - Stir in fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or chili flakes as desired. Serve hot, garnished generously with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything simmers in one pot so cleanup is practically nonexistent
  • The spice blend creates layers of flavor that develop beautifully the next day
02 -
  • The stew will thicken as it sits so thin it with a splash of water or broth when reheating
  • The lemon juice might seem optional but it is what makes all the flavors pop
03 -
  • Blend one cup of the finished stew and stir it back in for a naturally creamy texture
  • Toast your spices in a dry pan before adding them to the pot for even more depth
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