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Chickpea stew

chickpea stew

Chickpea stew, full of flavor and aroma. A light yet comforting option for those seeking warmth, nutrition and practicality.
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Total Time 41 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cup cooked chickpeas
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 unit onion chopped
  • 2 clove garlic minced
  • 1 unit carrot diced
  • 1 unit zucchini diced
  • 0.5 cup tomato sauce
  • 3 cup vegetable broth
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for serving

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring to prevent burning.
  3. Incorporate the carrot and zucchini, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 4 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. Add the cooked chickpeas, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Let it simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stew thickens and the vegetables are tender.
  6. Check the seasoning and adjust salt or spices to taste. If desired, add a bit more broth for a thinner stew.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy your comforting chickpea stew!

Notes

Chickpea stew is a beloved dish worldwide for its hearty flavor and nutritional punch. Its true magic lies in versatility—this stew adapts beautifully to what you have available and can easily be fine-tuned to personal or seasonal preferences.

Practical Tips for a Flavorful Stew

  • Use canned or freshly cooked chickpeas: Canned chickpeas work perfectly for convenience, but if you cook them from scratch, you’ll add even more depth and creaminess to the broth. Just rinse canned versions well before using.
  • Layer your flavors: Sautéing the onion and garlic thoroughly before adding other vegetables is key. Letting onions get translucent (not just soft) brings out subtle sweetness that enriches the entire dish.
  • Make it richer or lighter: For extra richness, stir in a spoonful of tahini or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end. If you want it lighter, substitute some of the vegetable broth for water, or add leafy greens like spinach a few minutes before serving.
  • Spice it up: Smoked paprika and cumin add an aromatic, slightly smoky quality. If you like heat, a pinch of chili flakes or a diced chili pepper is a great addition.
  • Avoid mushy vegetables: Add zucchini later in the process for a firmer bite, or let it simmer until fully soft for a more comforting texture—the choice is yours!

Preparation Techniques & Additional Insights

  • Simmering uncovered is essential for thickening the stew and intensifying the flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • If you want a creamier consistency, partially mash some chickpeas directly in the pot with a spoon or potato masher.

Creative Serving Suggestions

Chickpea stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toasts to soak up the aromatic broth. For a fresh touch, serve with a side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. This stew also makes a delicious filling for baked sweet potatoes or can be served over rice or couscous to stretch it further. For a Mediterranean flair, top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of dukkah before serving.
Experiment with extra vegetables, such as eggplant, spinach, or kale—let your favorites inspire your next bowl! With its warming, satisfying quality and endless adaptability, this chickpea stew will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.