Spicy Chickpea Stew (Print View)

Hearty Mediterranean chickpea stew with warming spices and fresh vegetables.

# Components:

→ 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

# Method:

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, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
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 tender.
06 - Add fresh lemon juice and stir well. Taste and adjust salt or spices as desired. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Its the kind of meal that tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for lazy lunches
  • The warming spices somehow feel cozy without being heavy, hitting that sweet spot between comfort food and something light
02 -
  • I once forgot the lemon juice and the stew tasted good but flat, like something was missing, and now I never skip that final squeeze
  • The stew thickens up considerably in the fridge, so add a splash of water or broth when reheating leftovers
03 -
  • If you want extra richness, scoop out about a cup of the stew before adding the greens, blend it until smooth, then stir it back in for a creamy texture without any cream
  • A drizzle of good olive oil right before serving adds this luxurious finish that makes it feel restaurant quality
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