A warm, comforting bowl of chickpea stew packed with tender vegetables and simmered in a spiced tomato broth. This one-pot vegan dish is loaded with plant-based protein, rich in flavor, and perfect for cozy dinners or make-ahead meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Hearty Chickpea Stew is the perfect comforting meal for chilly evenings. Packed with nutrient-dense vegetables, hearty chickpeas, and a rich tomato broth, it’s not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. The blend of spices—cumin, paprika, and turmeric—adds warmth and depth, making each spoonful satisfying and flavorful. This one-pot dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead. Vegan, gluten-free, and full of plant-based protein, this stew is a wholesome, nourishing option that will keep you feeling cozy and content.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
- Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, and turmeric. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Calories: 290 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili for an extra kick.
- Add greens: Stir in some spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
- Protein boost: Add cooked quinoa, lentils, or tofu for additional protein.
- Creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk for a creamy texture and extra richness.
- Root vegetables: Swap or add sweet potatoes, parsnips, or turnips for variety in texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
This stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or microwave until hot. If the stew thickens after storing, add a little extra broth or water to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned chickpeas?
Yes, you can use dried chickpeas, but you’ll need to cook them first, as they take longer to soften. Use about 1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas and cook them in advance.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can transfer the ingredients (except for the parsley) into a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add the parsley just before serving.
Can I add other vegetables to this stew?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or potatoes for added texture and flavor.
Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes, this chickpea stew is naturally gluten-free, as it’s made with plant-based ingredients and no gluten-containing grains.
How do I make this stew spicier?
If you like spice, add some chili flakes or a chopped fresh chili to the pot along with the garlic for extra heat.
Can I freeze this stew?
Yes, this stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I make this stew without the broth?
Yes, if you don’t have vegetable broth, you can substitute it with water. The spices and tomatoes will still add plenty of flavor.
How can I make this stew creamier?
Stir in a bit of coconut milk or blended cashews to make it creamy without adding dairy.
Can I add beans instead of chickpeas?
Yes, you can use other beans, such as white beans, kidney beans, or black beans, if you prefer.
Conclusion
This Hearty Chickpea Stew is the ultimate comfort food that’s both nourishing and flavorful. Packed with vegetables, chickpeas, and aromatic spices, it’s a filling, plant-based meal perfect for any time of year. Whether you enjoy it on a cozy evening or as part of your weekly meal prep, this vegan stew is guaranteed to satisfy your hunger and warm your soul!
Hearty Chickpea Stew
A warm, comforting bowl of chickpea stew packed with tender vegetables and simmered in a spiced tomato broth. This one-pot vegan dish is loaded with plant-based protein, rich in flavor, and perfect for cozy dinners or make-ahead meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, Middle Eastern
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender.
- Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, broth, cumin, paprika, and turmeric. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- This stew can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- For extra richness, add a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of vegan yogurt before serving.
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste; add more paprika or cumin for a bolder flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg