Spicy Chickpea Stew (Printable Version)

Hearty chickpeas simmered with aromatic spices, vegetables, and tomatoes for comforting plant-based nourishment.

# What You'll Need:

→ Legumes

01 - 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 carrots, diced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
07 - 2 cups vegetable broth
08 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
14 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
15 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
16 - 1 bay leaf
17 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Finishing Touches

18 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
19 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Add cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, turmeric, chili flakes, and cinnamon to the pot. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in tomato paste, then add diced tomatoes, drained chickpeas, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring mixture to a boil.
05 - Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
06 - Remove lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to thicken the stew. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Discard bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice and chopped fresh herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The spices bloom together in a way that makes your kitchen smell like an exotic marketplace, yet every ingredient is something you probably already have tucked away somewhere.
  • Its that rare vegan dish that satisfies even dedicated meat eaters, as I discovered when my brother asked for seconds and then the recipe.
02 -
  • Never rush the initial onion cooking stage, as I did once when hungry and impatient, resulting in a stew that lacked its foundational sweetness.
  • The stew thickens considerably overnight in the refrigerator, so add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers to restore the perfect consistency.
03 -
  • Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the simmering stew for a subtle nutty richness that will have guests guessing at your secret ingredient.
  • If youre short on fresh herbs, stir in a spoonful of pesto just before serving for an incredible flavor boost that completely transforms the dish.
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