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Cozy Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew

slow cooker moroccan chickpea stew - featured image

A hearty, richly spiced Moroccan chickpea stew slow-cooked to perfection, ideal for cozy winter meals. This easy recipe combines simple pantry staples with warm spices for a comforting and nourishing plant-based dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or about 3 cups cooked from dried)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 2 cups (16 fl oz / 475 ml) vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
  • 1 tsp harissa paste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, slice the carrots, and chop the red bell pepper.
  2. Optional: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent (about 4 minutes), then add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  3. Transfer sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker. Add carrots, red bell pepper, drained chickpeas, diced tomatoes with juices, and vegetable broth.
  4. Add cumin, cinnamon, smoked paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), and tomato paste. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours until chickpeas are soft and flavors meld.
  6. After cooking, stir in lemon juice and harissa paste if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add broth or water if stew is too thick.
  7. Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread or couscous.

Notes

Sautéing onions and garlic before slow cooking enhances flavor but can be skipped to save time. Adjust spice levels by varying cayenne and harissa paste. Mash a few chickpeas before serving for a thicker texture. Leftovers taste better after a day and freeze well for up to 3 months. Use consistent brands of broth and canned tomatoes for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Moroccan chickpea stew, slow cooker stew, vegan stew, gluten-free stew, winter meals, plant-based recipe, easy slow cooker recipe, cozy stew