Slow Cooker Chickpea Stew
When the leaves start to turn and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Chickpea Stew. I remember the first time I made this dish; it felt like a hug on a chilly evening. As I tossed in the chickpeas, vegetable broth, and aromatic spices, my kitchen was filled with a delightful aroma that promised comfort. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone together, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights with friends. I often find myself daydreaming about the combination of flavors, especially with the hint of apricots adding a surprising sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices. The beauty of the Slow Cooker Chickpea Stew is its simplicity; just set it and forget it while you enjoy your day. When it’s finally time to serve, the anticipation builds as I uncover the slow cooker, revealing a rich, hearty stew that warms both body and soul.
Recipe Snapshot
6 hr 15 mins
15 mins
360 mins
Hard
280 kcal
12g g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
7g g
Chef’s Knife, Cutting Board, Peeler, Wooden Spoon
The Beauty of This Slow Cooker Chickpea Stew
1. Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the best things about the Slow Cooker Chickpea Stew is that it makes meal prep a breeze. You can easily double the recipe and enjoy it throughout the week. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers even better than the first serving. Whether you’re packing it for lunch or serving it for dinner, it’s a win-win!
2. Nutrient-Rich Ingredients
This stew is packed with wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, which are loaded with protein and fiber, ensuring that you’re not just enjoying a warm meal but nourishing your body as well. The addition of turnips and dried apricots bring vital nutrients that contribute to a balanced diet.
3. Versatile and Adaptable
You can easily customize the Slow Cooker Chickpea Stew to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Feel free to add in your favorite veggies or even some leafy greens toward the end of cooking. This adaptability makes it a perfect go-to recipe for any season.
4. Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor
With just a few minutes of prep, you can set your slow cooker and let it do the work for you. The low and slow cooking method ensures that each ingredient melds beautifully together, creating a depth of flavor that you would expect from a dish requiring hours of painstaking effort.
5. A Family Favorite
Gathering around the table with a big pot of Slow Cooker Chickpea Stew is a tradition in my home. It’s a dish that everyone loves, and there are always seconds (or thirds!) to go around. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you want to feel cozy and satisfied.
6. Ideal for Entertaining
Hosting a gathering? This stew is a crowd-pleaser! Serve it alongside crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy couscous for a delightful experience that your guests will rave about. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that requires minimal fuss.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chickpea Stew
The ingredients for the Slow Cooker Chickpea Stew are not only nutritious but also complement each other beautifully. The star of the dish, chickpeas, provides a hearty base, while the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth create a rich and flavorful stew. The apricots add a subtle sweetness, enhancing the overall taste profile while the spices round everything off perfectly.
- 30 ounces chickpeas (or garbanzo beans), canned, drained and rinsed: A fantastic source of protein and fiber, they give the stew its hearty texture.
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes, canned: These provide a rich, tangy base that complements the other ingredients.
- 15 ounces vegetable broth, canned: The liquid that brings everything together, adding depth and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and a silky texture to the stew.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Provides a savory base that enhances the stew’s flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic goodness, elevating the overall taste.
- 3/4 cup turnip, peeled and chopped: Adds a delightful earthy flavor and texture.
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped: The sweet surprise that balances the savory elements of the stew.
- 1 lemon, zest: Brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing note.
- 1 tablespoon cumin: A warm spice that adds depth and a slight smokiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander: Complements the cumin, creating a well-rounded spice profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the stew.
- pinch of cayenne pepper (or more to taste): Adds a touch of heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the apricots.
- cilantro, chopped: A fresh herb that adds brightness when served.
- lemon wedges: For serving, they provide a refreshing burst of acidity that cuts through the richness.
Preparation Steps for Slow Cooker Chickpea Stew
Preparing the Slow Cooker Chickpea Stew is a straightforward process that only requires a few easy steps. Once you gather your ingredients, you’ll find that simply tossing everything together and letting the slow cooker do its magic is the best part. Here’s how to make it:
- Start by gathering all your ingredients: chickpeas, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, butter, onion, garlic, turnip, dried apricots, lemon zest, cumin, ground coriander, salt, cayenne pepper, cilantro, and lemon wedges. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process seamless.
- In a large slow cooker, combine all the ingredients. Toss in the drained and rinsed chickpeas along with the diced tomatoes—the liquids from the tomatoes will help form the stew’s base.
- Add the vegetable broth to the slow cooker, ensuring that the ingredients are well covered. The broth is crucial for creating a rich flavor and the perfect stew consistency.
- Next, add the butter, which will melt throughout the cooking process, enriching the stew with a creamy texture.
- Stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. These two aromatics form the flavor foundation of your stew, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering scents.
- Now, toss in the chopped turnip and dried apricots. The turnip adds a hearty element while the apricots will infuse a delightful sweetness.
- Sprinkle in the lemon zest, cumin, ground coriander, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. These spices combine to create a warm, comforting aroma that makes you feel right at home.
- Give everything a good stir to combine, ensuring every ingredient is well incorporated. This step is crucial for flavor distribution.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for four hours or low for six hours. During this time, the ingredients will meld and create a deliciously rich and hearty stew.
- Once the cooking time is up, check the seasoning, tasting for any additional salt or spice. Adjust to your liking.
- When serving, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze from the lemon wedges for an extra layer of brightness. You can serve this stew on its own or over a bed of fluffy couscous for a complete meal.
Things Worth Knowing
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Using high-quality vegetable broth and fresh vegetables can significantly enhance the flavor of your stew.
- Don’t Rush It: Cooking on low allows all the flavors to deepen and develop. If you’re short on time, cooking on high still yields a delicious result.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your stew before serving. You can add more spices or salt to tailor it to your preference.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Helpful Hints
While making the Slow Cooker Chickpea Stew is straightforward, here are some tips to ensure you get the best results every time:
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will taste even better the next day!
- Freezing: This stew freezes well! Portion into containers and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.
- Pairing: This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of couscous. It makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference. Start small, and you can always add more.
- Garnish: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten up your dish when served.
- Cooking Time: If you’re in a hurry, cooking on high can cut the time down, but the flavors may not develop as fully.
Accompaniments for Slow Cooker Chickpea Stew
Serving the Slow Cooker Chickpea Stew can be just as delightful as making it. Here are some ideas on how to elevate your meal:
- Crusty Bread: Serve the stew with a loaf of artisanal bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the rich broth beautifully.
- Steamed Couscous: A fluffy bed of couscous is the perfect partner for this stew, adding texture and substance.
- Green Salads: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can balance the hearty stew, making a refreshing contrast.
- Family Gatherings: This stew is ideal for family dinners, especially on chilly nights when everyone gathers around the table.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Perfect for fall, it warms you up during Thanksgiving or any autumn get-together.
- Meal Prep: Package individual portions for lunch or dinner throughout the week; it’s a satisfying, nutritious meal ready to go!
FAQ
Conclusion
The Slow Cooker Chickpea Stew is a delightful dish that combines warmth, nourishment, and incredible flavors. It’s the perfect recipe to cozy up with on a chilly evening or to share with loved ones during family gatherings. I encourage you to give it a try; it’s simple to make and will surely become a favorite in your home!
Slow Cooker Chickpea Stew
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Toss all the ingredients into a slow-cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. Taste for seasoning and add more salt as needed. Serve with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges over steamed couscous.
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will taste even better the next day!
- Freezing: This stew freezes well! Portion into containers and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.
- Pairing: This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of couscous. It makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference. Start small, and you can always add more.
- Garnish: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten up your dish when served.
- Cooking Time: If you’re in a hurry, cooking on high can cut the time down, but the flavors may not develop as fully.
