Authentic Moroccan Chickpea Stew Recipe

Moroccan chickpea stew is a hearty, plant-based dish filled with warm spices, nutritious vegetables, and rich flavors. It is inspired by traditional Moroccan cooking, where ingredients like chickpeas, tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic spices such as cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

This stew is an excellent option for those looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a meal prep recipe that holds up well in the fridge. It is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and packed with protein and fiber, making it both filling and nourishing. With a base of chickpeas and vegetables simmered in a fragrant broth, it strikes a balance between comfort food and wholesome eating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are many reasons why Moroccan chickpea stew deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation:

• Nutrient-rich and balanced: Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, while vegetables and spices provide essential vitamins and antioxidants.
• Packed with flavor: The combination of garlic, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, and paprika gives the stew layers of taste that are bold and satisfying.
• Simple ingredients: Most of what you need is pantry-friendly, making this a convenient recipe for any day of the week.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, this stew is ideal for busy days when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile: Enjoy it on its own, or pair it with couscous, rice, quinoa, or flatbread for a complete meal.
• Great for meal prep: The flavors deepen over time, and the stew reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers.

This combination of health benefits, affordability, and flavor makes Moroccan chickpea stew a reliable dish you can return to again and again.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare Moroccan chickpea stew. These ingredients are simple, affordable, and combine to create a dish full of warmth and flavor:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and spices, adding richness to the stew.
• 1 onion, chopped – A flavor base that provides sweetness as it cooks.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic enhances the depth of flavor.
• 2 carrots, sliced – Adds a slight sweetness and extra texture.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin – Earthy and aromatic, essential in Moroccan-inspired cooking.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Balances the savory notes with a subtle warmth.
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric – Adds color and a mild earthy taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger – Bright and slightly spicy, complementing the other spices.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika – Gives a mild smokiness and rounds out the flavor.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Provides acidity and a rich base for the stew.
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed – Protein-packed and hearty, the star of the dish.
• 2 cups vegetable broth – Creates the stew’s body and helps blend the flavors.
• 1/2 cup raisins or dried apricots, chopped – Adds a natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the spices.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning.
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish – Brings freshness and brightness to the finished dish.

Optional additions: Red pepper flakes for extra heat or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for added brightness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for a Moroccan chickpea stew that’s full of flavor and perfectly cooked:

1. Heat the oil
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the aromatics
   • Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, until softened and lightly golden.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
3. Add the carrots and spices
   • Stir in the sliced carrots.
   • Sprinkle in the cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, and paprika.
   • Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring often, to toast the spices and bring out their full flavor.
4. Add tomatoes and chickpeas
   • Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the drained chickpeas. Stir well to combine.
5. Add broth and simmer
   • Stir in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are tender and the stew has slightly thickened.
6. Add dried fruit and adjust seasoning
   • Stir in the chopped raisins or apricots and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
   • Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve and garnish
   • Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
   • Serve warm with couscous, rice, or flatbread for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for Success:

• If you prefer a thicker stew, simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes.
• For a creamier texture, mash a few chickpeas directly in the pot while it simmers.
• This recipe is freezer-friendly; cool completely and store in portions for up to 3 months.

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Authentic Moroccan Chickpea Stew Recipe

Author: Chef Natalia Courses: Dinner Recipe Keys: Healthy Main Vegan

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 40 mins

Servings: 4

Description

This Moroccan chickpea stew is a flavorful, plant-based recipe made with chickpeas, tomatoes, carrots, and warming spices like cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric. It’s hearty, nutritious, and naturally vegan, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon paprika
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• ¹⁄₂ cup raisins or dried apricots, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Optional: (Red pepper flakes for heat, squeeze of lemon juice before serving)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add carrots, then stir in cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, and paprika. Cook for 1–2 minutes to release the spices’ flavor.
4. Add diced tomatoes and chickpeas. Stir well.
5. Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes until carrots are tender and stew thickens slightly.
6. Stir in raisins or apricots. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Pair with couscous, rice, or flatbread.

Keywords: Moroccan chickpea stew, vegan chickpea stew, Moroccan stew recipe, healthy plant-based stew, easy chickpea recipe,