This Greek-Style Chickpea Stew with Dumplings is a comforting, nourishing dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean in a satisfying, plant-based bowl. Infused with lemon, garlic, dill, and warm spices, this hearty stew features tender chickpeas and soft dumplings for a wholesome one-pot meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This stew is an ideal blend of rustic comfort and zesty Greek flavors. The addition of lemon juice and fresh dill gives it a bright finish, while the chickpeas offer plant-based protein to make it a filling main course. The dumplings, scented with lemon zest and herbs, absorb the savory broth as they steam, delivering soft, fluffy bites in every spoonful. This dish is easy to prepare, requires simple ingredients, and is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Stew:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (plus more for garnish)
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/3 cup plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Directions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the chopped tomato, chickpeas, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let the stew simmer for 10 minutes.
- While the stew simmers, prepare the dumpling dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Add olive oil and plant milk, stirring just until a thick dough forms. Fold in parsley if using.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering stew. Cover the pot with a lid and steam for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Remove the lid. Stir in the lemon juice and fresh dill, then let simmer uncovered for 2–3 more minutes.
- Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with extra dill and cracked black pepper. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories per serving: 295 kcal
Variations
- Greens addition: Add chopped spinach, kale, or chard in the last few minutes of simmering for extra nutrients.
- Spice variation: Enhance the warmth with a pinch of cinnamon or allspice for added depth.
- Tomato-free: Omit the tomato for a brothier stew with a cleaner lemon-dill flavor.
- Grain option: Stir in cooked orzo or rice instead of dumplings for a different texture.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the dumplings.
Storage/reheating
- Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if necessary. Avoid vigorous boiling to prevent the dumplings from breaking apart.
- Freezing: The stew base can be frozen, but for best texture, add freshly made dumplings after thawing and reheating.
FAQs
Can I use canned chickpeas?
Yes, one standard 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed, works perfectly in this recipe.
Are the dumplings supposed to be firm or soft?
They should be soft and fluffy, but not doughy inside. Steam them with the lid on for the full cooking time.
Can I substitute dried dill for fresh?
Yes, use 1 teaspoon of dried dill in place of 2 tablespoons of fresh. Add it earlier in the cooking process for best flavor.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can make the stew in advance and reheat it gently. For best results, add dumplings fresh when reheating.
What kind of plant-based milk is best?
Unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk work well. Avoid flavored or sweetened varieties.
Can I make smaller dumplings?
Yes, dropping smaller spoonfuls of dough can make them cook faster and be easier to portion.
Can I add potatoes to the stew?
Yes, diced potatoes can be added with the carrots for a heartier stew. Adjust cooking time as needed.
How can I make the broth richer?
Add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast or a splash of white wine while simmering for extra depth.
Is this stew freezer-friendly?
The chickpea stew base is freezer-friendly, but dumplings may lose texture. Freeze without dumplings and add fresh ones when serving.
Can I cook the dumplings separately?
Dumplings are best cooked directly in the stew so they absorb flavor, but they can be steamed separately if desired.
Conclusion
Greek-Style Chickpea Stew with Dumplings is a vibrant, satisfying dish that embodies the flavors of the Mediterranean while providing all the warmth and heartiness of classic comfort food. Its wholesome ingredients, aromatic broth, and soft herb-infused dumplings make it an ideal addition to your regular plant-based meal rotation. Simple, nourishing, and full of flavor, it’s a perfect recipe for cozy evenings and shared meals.
PrintGreek-Style Chickpea Stew with Dumplings
This Mediterranean-inspired chickpea stew is bright, herby, and comforting—with soft, fluffy dumplings simmered right in a fragrant broth of chickpeas, garlic, lemon, and dill. It’s a cozy vegan meal full of plant-based protein and classic Greek flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- For the Stew:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (plus more for garnish)
- For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/3 cup plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5-6 minutes, until softened.
- Add chopped tomato, chickpeas, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the dumplings: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Stir in olive oil, plant milk, and parsley to form a thick dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering stew. Cover with a lid and let steam for 15 minutes—do not lift the lid.
- Remove lid, stir in lemon juice and fresh dill, and simmer uncovered for another 2-3 minutes.
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra dill and cracked pepper. Serve warm.
Notes
- Do not lift the lid while dumplings are cooking to ensure they steam properly.
- Lemon zest adds brightness to the dumplings—don’t skip it for authentic Greek flavor.
- Use canned chickpeas for convenience or cooked-from-scratch for more control over texture.
- Fresh dill is key to achieving the distinct Greek herbaceous flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg