Spicy Chickpea Stew (Printable version)

Hearty chickpeas simmered with Middle Eastern spices, vegetables, and tomatoes for a comforting, warming meal.

# 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:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes.
03 - Add ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, ground turmeric, chili flakes, and ground cinnamon. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in tomato paste, then add diced tomatoes, drained chickpeas, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
05 - Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Remove lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to achieve desired thickness. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
07 - Remove and discard bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice and fresh cilantro or parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The spice blend creates layers of flavor that develop beautifully as the stew simmers
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it cooked all day
  • Leftovers actually taste better, making it perfect for meal prep
02 -
  • Blooming the spices in hot oil before adding liquid releases their essential oils and intensifies the flavor
  • The stew needs that final 5 minutes uncovered to reduce and concentrate properly
  • Adding lemon juice at the end is not optional, it is what makes all the flavors sing together
03 -
  • Rinse your chickpeas thoroughly until the water runs clear for the best texture
  • Taste and adjust seasoning after the final simmer, as flavors concentrate when reduced
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