Name: Hearty Moroccan Chickpea Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients: 1½ tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1½ teaspoons ground cumin; 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon turmeric; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced; 2 medium carrots, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped; 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 cans (400g each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2½ cups vegetable stock; Salt and pepper, to taste; Juice of ½ lemon; Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish); Optional: raisins, olives, or preserved lemon for traditional flavor

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Why Make This Recipe

This Hearty Moroccan Chickpea Stew is perfect for anyone looking for a warm, filling, and healthy meal. Packed with vegetables and rich flavors, this stew offers comfort on cold days. The combination of spices will take you on a trip to Morocco without leaving your kitchen. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be a great dish for a family dinner or meal prep throughout the week.

How to Make Hearty Moroccan Chickpea Stew

Ingredients

1½ tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1½ teaspoons ground cumin
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon turmeric
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
2 medium carrots, sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cans (400g each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2½ cups vegetable stock
Salt and pepper, to taste
Juice of ½ lemon
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: raisins, olives, or preserved lemon for traditional flavor

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it is soft and golden for about 5–7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Sprinkle in the cumin, cinnamon, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cayenne. Stir for about 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
Add the diced sweet potato, sliced carrots, and chopped bell peppers. Stir to coat the vegetables with the spices.
Pour in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and chickpeas. Stir to combine well.
Add the vegetable stock, bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Adjust the flavor to your liking.
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve hot. Enjoy it with couscous, rice, or flatbread.

How to Serve Hearty Moroccan Chickpea Stew

Serve this hearty stew hot in a bowl, topped with fresh parsley or cilantro. Pair it with couscous, rice, or some warm, crusty flatbread. You can also add a sprinkle of optional toppings like raisins, olives, or preserved lemon for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Store Hearty Moroccan Chickpea Stew

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. The flavors will deepen as it sits. If you’d like to keep it longer, freeze it in portions for up to three months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

Tips to Make Hearty Moroccan Chickpea Stew

Cut Vegetables Evenly: Make sure to chop your vegetables evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste. If you love heat, add more cayenne.
Add More Greens: You can stir in some spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.

Variation

You can switch up the vegetables based on what you have. Zucchini, eggplant, or even butternut squash would be tasty additions. For a protein boost, consider adding some diced chicken or lamb.

FAQs

1. Can I use dry chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dry chickpeas! Soak them overnight and cook them in the stew for longer, ensuring they are tender before serving.

2. Is this dish vegan?
Absolutely! This stew is entirely plant-based, making it a great option for vegans and vegetarians.

3. Can I make this stew in advance?
Yes, this stew tastes even better the next day. You can make it as a meal prep option for the week ahead. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.