Spicy Chickpea Stew (Printable Version)

Hearty Mediterranean-style stew with chickpeas, vegetables, and warming spices.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

# How to Make It:

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, diced carrots, red bell pepper, and zucchini to the pot. 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, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
04 - Add drained chickpeas, diced tomatoes with their juices, and vegetable broth. Bring mixture 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 greens are wilted and incorporated throughout the stew.
06 - Stir in fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired. Serve hot in bowls, garnished generously with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of smoked paprika and cumin creates this incredible depth that tastes like its been simmering all day, even though it comes together in under an hour
  • Its one of those rare meals that leaves you feeling completely satisfied without that heavy, overly full feeling afterward
02 -
  • I learned the hard way that adding salt at the beginning helps the vegetables release their moisture and develop deeper flavor
  • The stew continues to thicken as it sits, so if you prefer it thinner, hold back some broth until the end
03 -
  • Toasting your spices in the hot oil for just 30 seconds before adding the vegetables makes such a difference in flavor
  • If you want a creamier texture, blend about one cup of the stew and stir it back in before serving
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