Hearty Moroccan Chickpea Stew (Vegan, Flavorful, and Easy)
This hearty Moroccan chickpea stew is packed with plant-based ingredients, bold spices, and a touch of harissa chili paste for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Recipe Inspiration: This Moroccan Chickpea Stew is inspired by the vibrant flavors of North African cuisine, where bold spices, chickpeas, and lentils are often used to create hearty, nourishing dishes. As a busy chef, I love this stew because it's plant-based, easy to make, and incredibly filling. It’s the perfect balance of warmth and richness with just a hint of heat from the harissa. Whether you're cooking for yourself or a crowd, this stew brings the comforting flavors of Morocco to your kitchen. Serve it with rice or enjoy it on its own as a nutrient-packed meal.
Star Ingredients:
Chickpeas: A great source of plant-based protein and fiber, chickpeas add texture and heartiness to the stew, while helping you stay full longer.
Red or Yellow Lentils: These lentils cook down quickly, providing a creamy consistency to the stew while boosting its nutritional value with protein and essential vitamins.
Harissa Chili Paste: A bold, spicy roasted pepper paste used in North African cuisine. It adds heat and depth to the dish, and can be adjusted based on your spice tolerance. You can substitute for Sambal Olek if you cannot find Harissa.
Coriander, Turmeric, and Cumin: These essential spices are what give Moroccan dishes their distinctive flavor. They bring warmth, earthiness, and a touch of brightness to the stew.
Chef's Notes: Harissa is a spicy, roasted pepper paste commonly used in Tunisian, Libyan, and Algerian cooking. It’s also popular in Moroccan and Middle Eastern cuisines. Look for harissa in Asian or European grocery stores and markets. Adjust the quantity depending on your spice preference—you can make it mild or bring on the heat! I love to make saffron rice to go with this meal, which is usually 1 Cup of rinsed jasmine or basmati rice, 1 1/2 cups of water or stock and 1 generous pinch of saffron, cooked until light, fluffy and golden.
To make this dish vegan 🌱 be sure to use vegetable stock, and swap honey for an alternative sweetener like brown sugar or agave.
Meal Prep Tips: This Moroccan Chickpea Stew is perfect for meal prep! Make a double batch and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious when reheated. Serve with rice or your favorite grain for a balanced meal.
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Moroccan Chickpea Stew Recipe
Serves: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Equipment:
Heavy-Bottomed Sauce Pot
Wooden Spoon
Cutting Board
Knife
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil (or coconut oil
2 tbsp coriander, ground
1 tbsp turmeric, ground
1 tsp cumin, ground
2 tbsp harissa chili paste
1 tbsp fresh ginger, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
2 jalapeños, diced
2 cups tomatoes, diced
1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas
3/4 cup red or yellow lentils
1 cup vegetable stock or water
1 1/2 tbsp raw honey
1 tsp cilantro, chopped
1 tsp parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Heat the Spices: Bring a 4-quart sauce pan to medium heat. Add coconut oil and ground spices (coriander, turmeric, cumin). Gently swirl the pan until the spices sizzle and become aromatic, about 2-3 minutes.
Cook the Vegetables: Add onions, ginger, and garlic to the pan. Stir to keep the mixture from burning. Add jalapeños and, cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add Chickpeas and Lentils: Fold in lentils toast for a few moments before adding chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and harissa paste. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Simmer the Stew: Once the mixture begins to simmer, gently stir to lift any spices that may be sticking to the bottom of the pan. Add vegetable stock or water and stir once more. Cover and reduce heat to low, allowing the stew to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the mixture thickens.
Finish and Serve: Fold in the raw honey, cilantro, and parsley. Serve hot, with rice if desired.
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Try this flavorful Moroccan Chickpea Stew and bring the taste of North Africa to your kitchen! Don’t forget to snap a photo of your creation and tag BeyondAFoodie on social media!