Mediterranean Chickpea Stew
The Mediterranean diet is renowned for its incredible flavors and health benefits derived from fresh vegetables, olive oil, lean proteins and herbs. This Moroccan Chickpea Stew is a prime example, brimming with aromatic spices, hearty chickpeas, and a vibrant array of veggies. It’s a comforting yet nutritious meal that’s simple to prepare and bursting with the distinctive tastes of North Africa.
Moroccan Chickpea Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 (28oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 (15oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup chopped spinach or kale
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- In a large pot or dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, carrots, paprika, cumin, cinnamon and cayenne. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, chickpeas, vegetable broth and water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, until carrots are tender.
- Remove stew from heat and stir in the fresh spinach or kale. Allow to wilt for 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust any seasoning as needed, adding more broth to thin out the stew if desired.
- Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm with lemon wedges to squeeze over top.
That’s it! This hearty, fragrant Moroccan chickpea stew makes a satisfying vegetarian meal. The chickpeas provide plant-based protein while the blend of spices delivers quintessential Moroccan flavor. Serve with whole grain bread for soaking up the delicious broth. Enjoy!