Name: Spiced Crockpot Chickpea Stew Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487788H1M58S
Total time: PT-487788H1M58S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 teaspoons olive oil; 2 onions, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1 teaspoon coriander seeds; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 ½ cups coarsely chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh); 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar; 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, rinsed & drained; 2 cups packed fresh spinach leaves; 3 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley

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This Spiced Crockpot Chickpea Stew is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish that is perfect for meal prep or a simple dinner. Infused with the aromatic flavors of ginger, coriander, and balsamic vinegar, this stew is both savory and satisfying. With tender chickpeas, fresh spinach, and a rich tomato base, it’s a nourishing and wholesome meal that can be served as a side or as a main dish over rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spiced Crockpot Chickpea Stew is the perfect blend of savory spices and hearty ingredients, all cooked together in the convenience of your slow cooker. The long, slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a hands-off dish that’s ideal for busy days. Chickpeas provide a great source of plant-based protein, and the addition of spinach adds a burst of fresh, nutritious greens. Plus, the stew is vegan, gluten-free, and easy to customize to your tastes.

Ingredients

3 teaspoons olive oil
2 onions, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 ½ cups coarsely chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, rinsed & drained
2 cups packed fresh spinach leaves
3 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley

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

Directions

Sauté the Onions: Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to brown, about 10 minutes.
Add Spices and Aromatics: Push the onions to the side of the skillet and add the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Add the garlic, ginger, ground coriander, coriander seeds, salt, and pepper to the oil. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to allow the spices to bloom.
Add Tomatoes and Vinegar: Stir in the coarsely chopped tomatoes and balsamic vinegar, mixing well to combine.
Prepare the Chickpeas: Spread the rinsed chickpeas in the bottom of your crockpot (slow cooker). Pour the tomato-spice mixture over the chickpeas and stir to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
Cook the Stew: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours, until the chickpeas are tender and the flavors have melded.
Finish with Spinach and Parsley: Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and minced parsley. Let the spinach wilt into the stew for a couple of minutes.
Serve: Serve the stew as a side dish, or over rice for a more filling entrée.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours on HIGH or 6 hours on LOW
Total time: 3-6 hours (depending on cook time setting)

Variations

Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add additional vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the stew for extra nutrition and texture.
Spicy Kick: For some heat, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
Coconut Milk: To make the stew creamier, stir in some coconut milk at the end of cooking. This will add richness and a mild sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the stew on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes! You can make this stew on the stovetop. Sauté the onions and spices as directed, then add the tomatoes, chickpeas, and balsamic vinegar. Simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, adding the spinach and parsley just before serving.

2. Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, you can use dried chickpeas. Be sure to soak and cook them first, as the slow cooker will not cook dried chickpeas from scratch in the same amount of time.

3. Can I add different spices to the stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices like cumin, turmeric, or cinnamon for a unique flavor profile.

4. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can add more heat with fresh chilies, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to suit your spice tolerance.

5. Can I freeze this stew?

Yes, this stew freezes very well! Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

6. How do I make this stew thicker?

If you prefer a thicker stew, you can blend part of the chickpeas and tomato mixture before adding the spinach. Alternatively, you can cook it uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to reduce the liquid.

7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this stew can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat and add the spinach and parsley just before serving.

8. Can I substitute the balsamic vinegar with another type of vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for a different flavor, though balsamic adds a sweet undertone that complements the stew well.

9. How can I make this dish more filling?

Serve the stew over brown rice, quinoa, or couscous for a more substantial meal. You could also add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta for added creaminess.

10. Can I make this recipe without ginger?

If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can substitute ground ginger, though the flavor may not be as vibrant. You can also omit it altogether if you prefer a more straightforward flavor.

Conclusion

This Spiced Crockpot Chickpea Stew is a flavorful and wholesome dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. Packed with protein from chickpeas and enhanced with aromatic spices, it’s a healthy option that’s easy to prepare in the slow cooker. With the added freshness of spinach and parsley, this stew is both nourishing and delicious. Whether served on its own or over rice, it’s a versatile, filling meal that everyone will love!

Spiced Crockpot Chickpea Stew Recipe