Description
Hearty Chickpea Stew is a nourishing and flavorful vegan dish packed with protein-rich chickpeas, wholesome vegetables, and warming spices. This plant-based stew offers a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. Featuring a blend of spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric, along with fresh greens and a creamy tahini finish, it’s both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Chickpeas and Liquids
- 1 (14-ounce) bag dried chickpeas
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 3 cups water
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with liquid
- 1 cup plant-based milk, plain, unsweetened (soy, oat, almond, or coconut)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger root, peeled, finely shredded
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 small carrots (about 5 ounces total), sliced
- 1 medium bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), diced
- 2 cups packed chopped greens (spinach, kale, swiss chard, or collard greens)
Spices and Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- Salt, as desired (optional)
Thickening and Finishing
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or cilantro
Instructions
- Soak Chickpeas: Place dried chickpeas in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven. Cover with water and soak overnight (about 8 hours). Drain, rinse, and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Rinse out the pot and place it over medium heat. Add olive oil, then sauté onion, garlic, ginger, bell pepper, and carrots for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften and release their aroma.
- Add Spices: Stir in the ground cinnamon, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and red chili flakes. Cook for an additional minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
- Cook Chickpeas: Add the drained soaked chickpeas to the pot with the sautéed vegetables and spices. Pour in the vegetable broth and water, stir well, then cover and simmer for 55-60 minutes until chickpeas are tender on the inside but still hold their shape. Stir frequently, and add water if needed to keep a thick stew consistency.
- Add Tomatoes, Lemon, and Greens: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their liquid, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and chopped greens. Allow the greens to wilt slightly into the stew.
- Prepare Roux and Finish Stew: In a small bowl, whisk together plant-based milk and all-purpose flour to form a smooth roux. Add this mixture to the stew along with the tahini, stirring continuously for 5-8 minutes until the stew thickens, tahini melts in, and greens are tender. Adjust thickness by adding water if necessary.
- Season and Serve: Taste and add salt if desired. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, then serve immediately for a comforting and hearty meal.
Notes
- This Hearty Chickpea Stew is a satisfying, flavorful, and nutritious vegan meal packed with protein and wholesome vegetables.
- Soaking chickpeas overnight softens them and reduces cooking time, improving digestibility.
- The roux with plant-based milk and flour thickens the stew naturally without cream or dairy.
- Adjust spice levels by modifying the chili flakes to your preferred heat tolerance.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze perfectly for longer meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 315 g
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg