This Hearty Chickpea and Vegetable Stew is a comforting and nutritious one-pot meal, perfect for cooler nights or healthy batch cooking. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas and a medley of vibrant vegetables, all simmered in a richly spiced tomato broth, this stew is as satisfying as it is wholesome.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich in plant-based protein and fiber
• Full of warming spices and deep, savory flavor
• One-pot convenience for easy prep and cleanup
• Naturally vegan and gluten-free
• Perfect for make-ahead meals and leftovers
• Budget-friendly with pantry staples
• Highly customizable with seasonal veggies
• Freezer-friendly for long-term storage
• Great served with crusty bread or over grains
• Comforting, filling, and nourishing

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Olive oil
• Onion (chopped)
• Garlic cloves (minced)
• Red bell pepper (chopped)
• Zucchini (chopped)
• Eggplant (peeled and cubed)
• Canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Smoked paprika
• Ground cumin
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt and black pepper
• Vegetable broth
• Lemon juice
• Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic, red bell pepper, zucchini, and eggplant. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
3. Stir in the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the stew to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 25–30 minutes, until vegetables are tender and flavors are well developed.
6. Stir in lemon juice, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or cilantro. Enjoy with warm crusty bread or over couscous or rice.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
• Spicier version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a diced chili pepper for heat.
• Different legumes: Try using white beans or lentils in place of chickpeas.
• Richer broth: Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy variation.
• Grain addition: Serve over quinoa, bulgur, or rice to make it even heartier.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium heat or microwave individual servings until heated through.

This stew freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as above.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes. You may need to add a bit more broth or tomato paste to adjust consistency.

Do I need to peel the eggplant?

Peeling is optional, but recommended for a smoother texture and to reduce bitterness, especially in larger eggplants.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Sauté the aromatics first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Is this stew gluten-free?

Yes, all listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure store-bought broth and tomato paste are certified gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a larger pot and double all ingredients for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

What type of broth should I use?

Use a good-quality vegetable broth. Low-sodium options allow better control of seasoning.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, the flavors deepen and improve after a day in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep.

How do I thicken the stew?

Simmer uncovered a bit longer or mash some of the chickpeas and vegetables for a thicker consistency.

Can I use other vegetables?

Definitely. Carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms make great additions or substitutions depending on what you have.

Is this stew freezer-friendly?

Yes. Let the stew cool completely, portion it into containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Hearty Chickpea and Vegetable Stew is a flavorful, comforting, and nourishing dish that’s perfect for everyday meals or batch cooking. With rich spices, colorful vegetables, and satisfying chickpeas, this stew is a staple recipe that adapts easily to your pantry and preferences. Serve it with bread or grains for a complete, warming meal that you’ll turn to time and time again.

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