This Chickpea Stew is a comforting, hearty dish that’s both vegan and gluten-free—perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week. Packed with flavor from a mix of fresh veggies, warm spices, and creamy chickpeas, it’s a filling and nutritious meal that’s easy to whip up. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that actually tastes even better the next day, so it’s ideal for meal prep!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This Chickpea Stew can be on the table in less than 45 minutes. It’s so simple and straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Comforting and Hearty: Hearty chickpeas, tender vegetables, and rich spices create a dish that’s warm, satisfying, and comforting.
Vegan and Gluten-Free: Whether you’re following a plant-based diet or simply looking for a healthy meal, this stew fits the bill without compromising on taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you dive into cooking, gather up these ingredients for your Chickpea Stew. The best part? It’s a flexible recipe, so you can easily substitute or add ingredients to suit your taste!

Chickpeas: The star of the show! Use canned or cooked chickpeas for a quick and protein-packed base. They bring a lovely creamy texture and absorb all those beautiful flavors.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the veggies and adding richness to the base of the stew.
Onion and Garlic: The aromatic duo that will kickstart your stew with incredible depth of flavor.
Carrots and Celery: These veggies provide a subtle sweetness and texture that balance out the chickpeas beautifully.
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes, depending on your preference, add a rich, tangy flavor that enhances the stew’s depth.
Spinach or Kale: For a healthy green element that adds some lovely color and a nutritional boost.
Vegetable Broth: The liquid base of the stew. Make sure it’s vegan if you’re sticking to a plant-based diet.
Spices: Ground cumin, turmeric, paprika, and a pinch of chili flakes will give this stew its warming and comforting flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the whole dish and balances out the richness.

Tip: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the chickpeas while cooking, or blend a portion of the stew to give it a creamy texture.

Variations

Want to switch things up a bit? Here are some variations to make the recipe your own:

Add Other Veggies: Try adding zucchini, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or basil can be stirred in at the end for a fresh pop of flavor.

Spice It Up: If you like it spicy, toss in some chopped green chilies or a bit of cayenne pepper to bring the heat.

Add Coconut Milk: For a creamy version, add a can of coconut milk. This adds richness and a mild sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the spices.

Protein Boost: Add a handful of quinoa or serve over rice for an extra filling meal.

How to Make Chickpea Stew

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Add the carrots and celery to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Now it’s time to bring in the spices! Add the cumin, turmeric, paprika, and chili flakes (if using) to the pot. Stir to coat the vegetables in the spices and cook for about a minute until the spices become fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir everything together, making sure all the veggies are well incorporated. Let this cook for 10-15 minutes to develop the flavors.

Step 5: Add the Chickpeas and Greens

Stir in the chickpeas and your choice of spinach or kale. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the greens to wilt and the chickpeas to warm through.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once the stew is ready, season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy! Pair with some crusty bread or a side of rice to complete the meal.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Flavor Boost: Don’t skip the lemon juice! A squeeze at the end makes a huge difference in brightening the flavors and balancing the richness of the chickpeas and broth.
Thickening Tip: If you prefer a thicker stew, simply mash some of the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher right in the pot. You’ll get a creamier texture without the need for cream.
Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preferences. Add more cumin for a deeper, earthy flavor, or increase the paprika for a smoky kick.
Leftovers: This stew actually gets better the next day, so it’s great for meal prep. The flavors continue to develop and become more complex!

How to Serve

This Chickpea Stew is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

Side Suggestions:

Serve with a warm, crusty bread for dipping into the stew.
Pair with a simple green salad for a fresh contrast.
A side of quinoa or rice adds extra texture and makes the meal even more filling.

Garnish Ideas:

Top with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
A dollop of dairy-free yogurt or a drizzle of olive oil can add a creamy richness to each spoonful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This stew actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this stew! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen it up if necessary.

FAQs

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to soak and cook the chickpeas beforehand, as this recipe uses canned chickpeas for a quicker cooking time.

Can I make this stew spicier?
Absolutely! Add extra chili flakes or fresh chilies to the pot to suit your heat preference. You can also stir in some hot sauce right before serving.

Can I add potatoes to this stew?
Yes, diced potatoes can be added for extra heartiness. Simply add them at the same time as the carrots and celery so they have enough time to cook through.

How do I make this dish creamy?
For a creamy version, you can add a can of coconut milk or a splash of dairy-free cream toward the end of cooking. This will create a rich and velvety texture.

Final Thoughts

This Chickpea Stew is a cozy, flavorful, and nourishing meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. It’s incredibly easy to make, packs in tons of plant-based goodness, and is versatile enough to accommodate different tastes and dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to make this your new go-to stew for a warm and satisfying meal!

Chickpea Stew Recipe