Spicy Chickpea Stew (Printable Version)

Hearty Mediterranean chickpea stew with warming spices, fresh vegetables, and nutrient-rich greens for a satisfying plant-based meal.

# 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

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
02 - Add garlic, carrots, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook, stirring occasionally, for another 5 minutes.
03 - Stir in cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, chili flakes, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Add spinach or kale and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
06 - Stir in lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
07 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes like it simmered all day but comes together in under an hour
  • The spice blend creates this rich, warming depth that keeps you coming back for seconds
02 -
  • Letting the spices bloom in the hot oil for that minute is what separates good from great
  • The stew thickens as it cools, so don't worry if it seems slightly thin when hot
03 -
  • If you want extra creaminess without dairy, blend a cup of the stew and stir it back in
  • The lemon juice at the end is crucial, it makes all the flavors pop
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