Spicy Chickpea Stew (Printable)

Hearty chickpeas simmered with vegetables and aromatic Middle Eastern spices create this warming, plant-based comfort food.

# 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 onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in garlic, carrots, and bell pepper. Sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes.
03 - Add cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, turmeric, chili flakes, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in tomato paste, then add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
05 - Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Remove lid, season with salt and pepper, and simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to thicken.
07 - Discard bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice and fresh herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Serve hot, with crusty bread or over rice if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The balance of warming spices creates layers of flavor that unfold with each spoonful, making you look like a culinary genius with minimal effort.
  • Everything comes together in one pot, which means more time enjoying your creation and less time scrubbing dishes afterward.
02 -
  • Adding the tomato paste before the liquids and letting it cook for 30 seconds intensifies the flavor and removes that tinny taste that can ruin an otherwise perfect stew.
  • The stew thickens considerably overnight in the refrigerator, so add an extra splash of broth when reheating leftovers to restore the original consistency.
03 -
  • Store your ground spices away from direct heat and light, and replace them every six months for the most vibrant flavor in this stew.
  • For an even richer taste, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead of regular ones when you can find them at the store.
Go Back