Spicy Chickpea Stew (Printable)

Tender chickpeas simmered with aromatic spices, vegetables, and tomatoes for hearty, plant-based comfort.

# 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 4-5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in garlic, carrots, and bell pepper. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes.
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 pot, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Remove lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Discard bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice and fresh cilantro or parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Ladle into bowls and serve hot, optionally accompanied by crusty bread or over rice.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The blend of Middle Eastern spices creates layers of flavor that deepen overnight, making leftovers something youll actually look forward to eating.
  • Its one of those rare dishes that satisfies everyone at the table without a single complaint, even from dedicated meat-eaters who swore theyd notice the absence of animal protein.
02 -
  • Dont skip blooming the spices in oil before adding liquids, I once rushed this step and ended up with a flat-tasting stew that lacked dimension.
  • The thickness of vegetable broths varies dramatically by brand, so be prepared to adjust with a splash more liquid or a few extra minutes of reduction at the end.
03 -
  • Reserve some of the chickpea liquid from the can and add a splash if your stew reduces too much, it adds body without diluting flavor like plain water would.
  • Toast and grind your own cumin and coriander seeds when possible, the difference in aroma and flavor is subtle but noticeable in a simple dish like this.
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