Spicy Chickpea Stew (Printable)

A warming Mediterranean stew with chickpeas, vegetables, and aromatic spices for a wholesome plant-based meal.

# Ingredient list:

→ 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

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
02 - Add minced garlic, diced carrots, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Stir in cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, chili flakes, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1 minute until spices become fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
04 - Add drained chickpeas, diced tomatoes with their juices, and vegetable broth. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and stew thickens slightly.
05 - Stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted and incorporated into the stew.
06 - Add fresh lemon juice and stir well. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or chili flakes if desired. Serve hot, garnished generously with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than delivery but tastes like it simmered all day
  • The spice blend creates this incredible depth that people swear must include meat
  • Leftovers taste even better, making it perfect for meal prep
02 -
  • The spice blooming step is non negotiable, it transforms them from dusty to aromatic
  • Lemon juice at the end is the secret ingredient that ties everything together
  • Dont rush the simmer, the flavors need time to become friends
03 -
  • For extra creaminess, blend one cup of the finished stew and stir it back in
  • Toast your spices in a dry pan before adding oil for even more depth
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