Chickpea Stew is a hearty, wholesome, and deeply comforting dish that’s loaded with plant-based protein, vegetables, and warming spices. This stew is a satisfying one-pot meal that comes together quickly with pantry staples, making it perfect for weeknights or cozy weekends. Whether you serve it with rice, crusty bread, or enjoy it on its own, it’s a simple yet flavorful dish that never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with plant-based protein and fiber
- One-pot, minimal cleanup
- Budget-friendly and made with pantry staples
- Easily customizable with seasonal veggies and spices
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free
- Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
- Deliciously spiced and deeply satisfying
- Perfect comfort food for cold days
- Great as a main or side dish
- Keeps well for leftovers
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Olive oil
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, diced
- Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes
- Vegetable broth
- Ground cumin
- Ground paprika
- Turmeric (optional)
- Salt and black pepper
- Spinach or kale (optional)
- Lemon juice
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chickpeas, tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover and let it cook for about 20–25 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
- If using, stir in spinach or kale and cook until wilted.
- Add lemon juice and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Total time: approximately 40 minutes
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add sweet potatoes or butternut squash for added sweetness and texture
- Include cooked rice or quinoa to make it even heartier
- Use coconut milk for a creamier version with a hint of richness
- Spice it up with chili flakes, harissa, or cayenne pepper
- Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans based on what’s in season
- Try with curry powder for an Indian-inspired flavor
- Add a dollop of yogurt (or dairy-free alternative) before serving
storage/reheating
Let the stew cool to room temperature before storing.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in intervals, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook them first. Use about 1.5 cups of cooked chickpeas in place of a 15-ounce can.
Is chickpea stew vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and plant-based.
What should I serve with chickpea stew?
Serve with rice, couscous, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, sauté the aromatics first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
How can I thicken the stew?
Mash some of the chickpeas with a spoon or potato masher, or let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Can I add protein to this stew?
Chickpeas already offer plant-based protein, but you can add tofu, tempeh, or cooked chicken if you like.
Does it freeze well?
Yes, this stew freezes beautifully. Just cool completely before transferring to containers.
How do I make it spicy?
Add chili powder, cayenne, harissa paste, or diced jalapeños to bring the heat.
What herbs go well in this stew?
Parsley, cilantro, thyme, or bay leaves all add great flavor.
Can I make this oil-free?
Yes, sauté the veggies in a splash of broth or water instead of oil.
Conclusion
Chickpea Stew is the kind of meal that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for batch cooking. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing dinner or a meal-prep-friendly recipe, this stew delivers flavor and nutrition in every spoonful. Give it a try, and let it become a cozy staple in your kitchen.
PrintChickpea Stew
This hearty Chickpea Stew is a cozy, one-pot meal loaded with plant-based protein, veggies, and warm spices. It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to make with pantry staples. Perfect for a meatless dinner or weekly meal prep!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot/One Pan
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Global
Ingredients
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1 medium yellow onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 carrots, sliced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp ground turmeric
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1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
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4 cups vegetable broth
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2 cups chopped kale or spinach
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Juice of 1/2 lemon
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
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Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add chickpeas, diced tomatoes (with juices), and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the stew thickens slightly and veggies are tender.
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Stir in chopped kale or spinach and cook for another 2–3 minutes until wilted.
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Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
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Add cooked quinoa or rice for extra heartiness.
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This stew tastes even better the next day.
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Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.