Spicy Chickpea Stew (Printable)

Hearty chickpeas simmered with aromatic spices, vegetables, and tomatoes for a warming, plant-based meal ready in under an hour.

# 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 & 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 Steps:

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 constantly, 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 to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Remove lid and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Discard bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice and fresh herbs. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
08 - Ladle into bowls and serve hot, optionally with crusty bread or over rice.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The spice blend creates this incredible depth that tastes like it simmered for hours, not minutes
  • It is one of those rare vegan dishes that satisfies even the most dedicated meat lovers
  • The leftovers are actually better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep
02 -
  • The spices need to bloom in the hot oil for that minute to really develop their full flavor potential
  • Letting the stew simmer uncovered at the end concentrates the flavors and helps thicken it naturally
  • The lemon juice is absolutely crucial, it is what makes all the spices pop instead of tasting muddy
03 -
  • If you have time, roasted red peppers from a jar add an incredible depth of flavor
  • A splash of coconut milk stirred in at the end makes the stew incredibly creamy
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