Name: Easy Chickpea Stew
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 red onion, chopped; 1 large carrot, roughly sliced; 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 bay leaves; 3 small potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped; 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 cups vegetable broth; Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

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This easy chickpea stew is a comforting one-pot meal made with simple pantry staples. Featuring hearty chickpeas, tender potatoes, and warm spices, this wholesome stew is rich in flavor and ready in just 40 minutes. Perfect for meatless dinners, it’s both filling and nourishing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chickpea stew is the definition of easy, healthy comfort food. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and protein-rich, thanks to the chickpeas. The recipe uses basic ingredients like onion, carrots, and tomato paste, but delivers deep, savory flavor with minimal effort. You only need one pot, making cleanup a breeze. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, and you can easily double the recipe for meal prep or leftovers.

Easy Chickpea Stew

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red onion, chopped
1 large carrot, roughly sliced
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 bay leaves
3 small potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped
2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped onion, sliced carrot, and garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion turns translucent.
Stir in salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to bloom the spices.
Add the tomato paste and stir well until it’s fully mixed in and slightly darkened.
Add Italian seasoning, bay leaves, potatoes, chickpeas, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together.
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 to 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper.
Creamier texture: Blend ½ to 1 cup of the stew and stir it back in for a thicker consistency.
Leafy greens: Stir in spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
Smoky flavor: Use smoked paprika in place of regular paprika.
Coconut twist: Add 1/2 cup of coconut milk at the end for a creamy, rich finish.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled stew in containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot.

FAQs

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but they must be cooked beforehand. You’ll need about 3 cups of cooked chickpeas to replace the canned ones.

What type of potatoes work best?

Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold hold their shape well, but any type will work depending on your texture preference.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just check your broth and seasonings to be sure.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely. Zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach are great additions.

Is this stew freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes very well. Just cool completely before freezing.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes add a delicious sweetness and pair well with the spices.

What can I serve with this stew?

It’s perfect with crusty bread, rice, or a simple green salad.

How can I make the stew thicker?

Blend a portion of the stew and return it to the pot for a naturally thickened texture.

Is this stew kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s mild and flavorful. You can reduce or omit the paprika if preferred for very young children.

Conclusion

This easy chickpea stew is a hearty, wholesome meal that comes together quickly with just one pot. It’s a satisfying option for weeknights, meal prep, or when you want something cozy and nourishing without a lot of fuss. Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and comforting flavors, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Molly