Spicy Chickpea Stew (Print Version)

Tender chickpeas simmered with warm spices and vegetables in a rich tomato broth.

# What You 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

# Directions:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It uses common pantry staples to create a meal that tastes like it came from a professional kitchen.
  • The leftovers taste even better the next day as the spices have more time to mingle.
02 -
  • The tomato paste needs to be fried for a minute to remove that raw metallic tang.
  • Adding the lemon juice while the stew is boiling can sometimes make the citrus taste too sharp.
03 -
  • Mashing some chickpeas with your spoon creates a natural thickener without adding flour.
  • Letting the stew sit for ten minutes after cooking allows the flavors to settle and deepen.
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