Name: Greek-Inspired Chickpea Stew Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Greek-inspired
Ingredients: 1 head of garlic + 3 large cloves, divided; 1 large shallot + 1 leek (or 2 large shallots); Fresh thyme and/or rosemary leaves (about 1 tbsp each); 2 fresh or dry bay leaves; 1 unwaxed lemon, peel and juice; 100 g / 3½ oz kale, chard or spinach (optional) or potatoes (optional); 800 g / 5 cups cooked chickpeas (2 cups dry chickpeas before cooking); 240 ml / 1 cup creamy almond or oat milk; 2 tbsp tahini (optional); 3 tbsp / 45 ml extra virgin olive oil (or vegan stock for oil-free version); ½ tsp black pepper; Chilli flakes (optional) or chilli oil to finish; 1½ tsp salt, adjust to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 14 reviews

There is something irresistibly comforting about a warm, hearty stew, especially when it’s bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. This Greek-Inspired Chickpea Stew Recipe perfectly balances creamy textures, aromatic herbs, and a touch of zest from lemon, delivering a dish that feels as wholesome as it tastes delightful. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a nourishing meal packed with plant-based goodness, this stew wraps you in a hug of simplicity, tradition, and bold taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl full of yellow chickpeas placed on a wooden cutting board. Around the bowl, there is a whole leek on the right, fresh sprigs of green thyme above the leek, a whole shallot below the bowl, a half lemon cut side up on the top left, a whole garlic bulb next to the lemon, and a small bowl with red chili flakes near the top center of the board. The cutting board sits on a white marbled surface with a clean and bright setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret behind this Greek-Inspired Chickpea Stew Recipe’s incredible flavor and texture. Each element, from the roasted garlic to the fresh herbs and tangy lemon, plays a crucial role in building layers of depth and warmth you’ll want to savor spoonful after spoonful.

Garlic (1 head + 3 cloves): Roasting the garlic head mellows its sharpness and adds a luscious sweetness.
Extra virgin olive oil (3 tbsp): Provides a rich, fruity base for sautéing the aromatics or opt for vegan stock to keep it oil-free.
Shallot (1 large) + Leek (1) or 2 large shallots: These mild alliums build the stew’s aromatic foundation without overpowering.
Thyme and/or rosemary (fresh, about 1 tbsp each): They infuse woodsy, earthy notes that transport you straight to a Greek countryside kitchen.
Black pepper (½ tsp): Adds gentle warmth and subtle heat.
Chilli flakes (optional): Bring a spark of spice to brighten the stew.
Salt (1½ tsp, adjust to taste): Balances and enhances all the flavors.
Bay leaves (2 fresh or dry): Contribute a subtle floral and herbal undertone.
Lemon (1 unwaxed, peel and juice): The lemon’s zest and juice cut through richness, refreshing every bite.
Cooked chickpeas (800 g / 5 cups): The star of the stew, hearty and creamy, forming a filling base.
Plant milk (240 ml / 1 cup creamy almond or oat): Adds silkiness and gentle sweetness for depth.
Tahini (2 tbsp, optional): For an extra layer of creaminess with a nutty twist.
Greens like kale, chard, or spinach (100 g, optional): Introduce color, nutrients, and a fresh bite to each spoonful.
Potatoes (optional): Cut into cubes, they bulk up the stew for a more comforting meal.

How to Make Greek-Inspired Chickpea Stew Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 200° C (390° F). Slice off the tops of the garlic heads, drizzle each with a little olive oil, then wrap them snugly in baking paper and foil. Pop them in the oven for about 30-35 minutes until the cloves turn soft, caramelized, and wonderfully sticky. This roasting step is a game-changer, mellowing the garlic’s punch while infusing the stew with a rich, sweet depth.

Step 2: Prepare the Aromatics

Trim the green parts off the leek and halve it lengthwise to wash away hidden grit. Chop the leek and shallot finely, then gently sauté them in your olive oil over medium-low heat until they turn translucent. This slow cooking teases out their natural sweetness and lays the savory groundwork for your stew.

Step 3: Add Garlic, Herbs, and Spices

Once the shallots and leek have softened, stir in the finely chopped fresh garlic cloves, along with fragrant thyme and rosemary leaves. Sauté these together for 2-3 minutes, letting the herbs release those enchanting aromas that define this Greek-Inspired Chickpea Stew Recipe. Add black pepper, a pinch of chili flakes if you like a bit of heat, salt, bay leaves, and strips of fresh lemon peel to build a vibrant spice bouquet.

Step 4: Simmer Chickpeas and Liquids

Pour in the cooked chickpeas and about 2½ cups (600 ml) of water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer allowing all the flavors to mingle serenely. This slow simmer extracts maximum taste from every ingredient, softening the chickpeas while enveloping everything in a warm, comforting broth.

Step 5: Blend Chickpeas with Roasted Garlic and Plant Milk

While your stew simmers, blend 1 cup of cooked chickpeas with all the roasted garlic cloves and 1 cup of your chosen creamy plant milk (almond or oat works beautifully here). If you want your stew extra creamy, adding tahini now is a lovely option, though keep in mind it adds a distinctive sesame flavor. Stir this luscious blend back into the pot, enriching the texture and body of the stew.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Greens

Taste your stew and add fresh lemon juice—usually around 4 tablespoons to brighten the dish—and adjust salt if needed. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash more water until your desired consistency is reached. If you’re including greens like kale, chard, or spinach, chop them finely and stir them in, letting them soften for a few minutes right at the end. For a heartier option, toss in some cubed potatoes and allow them to cook until tender in the simmering stew.

How to Serve Greek-Inspired Chickpea Stew Recipe

The image shows a red pot filled with a creamy soup containing chickpeas, spinach leaves, and some chunks of yellow and green vegetables, with bits of herbs and spices floating on the surface. A silver ladle is scooping up a portion, showing the chickpeas and greens clearly, while the pot sits on a white marbled surface. The soup looks thick and hearty with a mix of light yellow and green colors inside the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple drizzle of high-quality olive oil or chili oil on top brings a gorgeous sheen and burst of fragrance. You might also add a sprinkle of extra fresh thyme or a few lemon zest curls to brighten the presentation and awaken your senses with every bite.

Side Dishes

Slicing crusty sourdough or toasted rustic bread is a match made in heaven to scoop up every last bit of stew. A fresh green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette can complement the rich, creamy flavors beautifully and provide a crisp contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the stew in individual mini cocottes or rustic bowls garnished with a dollop of vegan yogurt or tahini swirl. Adding a handful of toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds on top introduces delightful crunch and texture, making each serving feel special and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Greek-Inspired Chickpea Stew Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and allow the flavors to deepen even more over time—a great option for busy weeknight lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

The stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently defrost in a saucepan over low heat.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the stew gently on the stove while stirring occasionally, adding a splash of water or plant milk if it’s become too thick. Reheating slowly keeps the flavors vibrant and the texture creamy without separating.

FAQs

Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned chickpeas work perfectly and save time. Just be sure to rinse them well to remove excess sodium and reduce any canned flavor before adding them to your stew.

Is this Greek-Inspired Chickpea Stew Recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and can easily be made oil-free by swapping olive oil with vegetable stock. It’s nourishing, plant-based, and packed with flavor, ideal for both vegans and non-vegans alike.

What if I don’t have plant milk on hand?

If you’re out of plant milk, you can use water or vegetable broth as a substitute, but the stew won’t be as creamy. Choose a creamy substitute like oat or almond milk when possible for that signature velvety texture.

Can I add other vegetables to this chickpea stew?

Certainly! This stew is quite flexible—feel free to add diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the greens or potatoes to introduce extra color and nutrition.

How spicy is this stew?

By default, this stew is mildly spiced with a gentle warmth from black pepper and optional chili flakes. You can adjust the heat by adding more chili flakes or finishing with a drizzle of chili oil for a bolder kick.

Final Thoughts

This Greek-Inspired Chickpea Stew Recipe is an absolute gem in my kitchen repertoire. Its balance of creamy goodness, bright herbs, and hearty chickpeas makes it the kind of dish you want to come back to again and again. Warm, satisfying, and flexible, it invites you to create, share, and savor every comforting spoonful. I can’t wait for you to make it yours and discover why it’s such a beloved favorite.