Spicy Chickpea Stew (Printer-Friendly)

Tender chickpeas simmered with aromatic spices, vegetables, and tomatoes for a comforting, hearty meal perfect for cold weather.

# What You 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 and 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

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in garlic, carrots, and bell pepper. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
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 to ensure even cooking.
06 - Remove lid, season with salt and pepper, and simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to thicken the broth.
07 - Discard bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice and fresh herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Ladle into bowls and serve hot, optionally accompanied by crusty bread or served over rice.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than you'd expect, yet tastes like it simmered all day.
  • The spice balance actually teaches you something about flavor layering, not just heat.
  • Leftovers somehow taste better, making this a secret weapon for meal prep without the monotony.
  • You'll feel resourced and grounded after eating something this warming and nourishing.
02 -
  • Don't skip toasting the spices in oil or dry; that minute makes the difference between spiced stew and spice-flavored stew.
  • The stew actually tastes better the next day because the chickpeas continue absorbing the broth and the spices deepen, so make it ahead without worry.
  • Lemon juice is not optional—it's the thing that stops this from tasting heavy or one-dimensional.
03 -
  • Use fresh spices if you can—old ones fade quietly, and you'll end up adding more without understanding why the flavor feels flat.
  • Don't let the broth boil aggressively once you add the chickpeas; gentle heat keeps them from breaking apart and turning the stew grainy.
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