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Spiced Chickpea Stew Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vegetarian

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 medium  carrots
  • 1 medium  yellow onion
  • 4 cloves  garlic
  • 1 tablespoon  fresh ginger grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground)
  • 2 tablespoons  olive oil
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon  cumin
  • 1 teaspoon  smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon  ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon  turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon  cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon  cayenne  (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime or lemon

To serve:

  • Cooked basmati or brown rice
  • Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • Plain yogurt or labneh (optional)
  • Lime or lemon wedges
  • Flatbread (optional)

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5–6 minutes until soft and lightly colored. Add garlic and ginger and cook 2 minutes. Add all spices and stir for 60 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add diced carrots and stir to coat in the spice base. Cook for 2 minutes. Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until carrots start to soften and the tomato base reduces slightly.
  4. Add drained chickpeas and stir through. Simmer for 15 minutes on medium-low, stirring occasionally, until chickpeas have absorbed the spiced broth and carrots are fully tender. Mash a small portion of chickpeas with the back of a spoon to thicken if desired.
  5. Squeeze in lime or lemon juice and stir. Taste and adjust salt, acidity, or heat as needed. Serve over rice or with flatbread. Top with fresh cilantro, a spoonful of yogurt, and a lime wedge.

Notes

  • Always toast spices in oil before adding liquid — it makes a significant difference in depth of flavor
  • Add a can of coconut milk after the chickpeas for a creamier, milder version
  • Use fire-roasted tomatoes instead of crushed for a smokier base
  • Stir in spinach or kale in the last 2 minutes for extra greens
  • Keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days — flavor improves overnight
  • Freezes well for up to 3 months — thaw overnight and reheat on the stovetop