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Here’s what you need to make Moroccan chickpea stew. Each ingredient adds to the flavor and heartiness of the dish. - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, thoroughly drained and rinsed - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced into small pieces - 1 medium zucchini, diced - 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes, with juices - 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 cup fresh baby spinach, washed and dried - Fresh cilantro or parsley, finely chopped, for garnish - Lemon wedges, for serving Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. Each one plays a key role in making this stew warm and rich. For the full cooking process, check the Full Recipe. 1. Start by heating a spacious pot. Pour in the olive oil and let it shimmer over medium heat. This step warms the oil and preps it for the onion. 2. Next, add the chopped onion to the pot. Stir it for about five minutes until it gets soft and translucent. This brings out its natural sweetness. 3. Now, it’s garlic time! Toss in the minced garlic and cook it for one more minute. Stir frequently to wake up its aroma. 4. It's time to add the diced carrots, red bell pepper, and zucchini. Sauté these veggies for five to seven minutes. You want them soft and just starting to caramelize. This adds great depth to the stew. 5. After that, sprinkle in the spices: cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Add salt and black pepper too. Stir everything well and let it cook for another two minutes. The spices will coat the veggies and fill your kitchen with a wonderful scent. 6. Next, pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, and the vegetable broth. Increase the heat a bit to bring it to a gentle boil. Once it boils, lower the heat again and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This melds all the flavors together. 7. Now, stir in the drained chickpeas. Let the stew simmer for another 10 minutes. This step allows the chickpeas to warm up and soak in the flavors. 8. Just before serving, fold in the fresh spinach. Let it wilt for about one to two minutes. This adds a nice pop of color and nutrition. 9. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. This final step ensures the flavor is just right. 10. Serve your stew hot in deep bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Don’t forget to offer lemon wedges on the side for that bright, zesty finish. This Moroccan chickpea stew is a warm hug in a bowl. You can find the full recipe [here](#). Enjoy your cooking! Choosing the right chickpeas You can use canned chickpeas for ease. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well. This removes extra salt and makes them taste fresher. If you prefer, soak dried chickpeas overnight. This gives a firmer texture. Cook them until soft before adding to your stew. Spice adjustments and substitutions Spices are key to Moroccan flavors. If you want more kick, add cayenne pepper. For a different taste, swap smoked paprika for regular paprika. You can also try turmeric for a vibrant color and health boost. Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Cooking time adjustments for texture Cooking time affects the stew's texture. For softer vegetables, simmer longer. If you like a crunch, reduce the cooking time. Always check the stew as it cooks. This way, you can get the perfect blend of soft chickpeas and tender veggies. For the full recipe, check the details above. {{image_4}} To make Moroccan chickpea stew your own, you can swap some ingredients. Here are a few ideas: - Adding other vegetables: Sweet potatoes lend a nice sweetness. You can also try adding kale for a nutritious boost. - Using different beans or legumes: Kidney beans or lentils can replace chickpeas if you want a change. - Modifying spices to suit taste preferences: If you love heat, consider adding cayenne pepper. Or, reduce spice for a milder flavor. These swaps keep the stew fresh and exciting while fitting your taste. Pairing this warm stew with the right sides enhances the meal. Here are some great options: - Recommended sides: Crusty bread or warm pita is perfect for scooping. You can also serve it with fluffy rice for a hearty meal. - Pairing with beverages: A light-bodied red wine or herbal tea complements the flavors well. For a refreshing choice, try mint lemonade. These suggestions add to the experience, making each bite even more enjoyable. To keep your Moroccan Chickpea Stew fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration tips: Place the stew in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to 4 days. Ensure it cools down before sealing the container to avoid condensation. - Freezing instructions: If you want to freeze it, use freezer-safe containers. The stew can stay good for 3 months in the freezer. Just leave some space at the top, as it may expand when frozen. When it's time to enjoy your stew again, reheating is key. - Best methods for reheating the stew: The best way is on the stove. Pour the stew into a pot and heat it over medium heat. Stir it often to ensure even heating. You can also use the microwave. Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely. Heat in short bursts and stir between to prevent hot spots. - Avoiding loss of texture and flavor: To keep the stew's texture, add a splash of vegetable broth or water during reheating. This helps maintain moisture. Always taste and adjust seasoning after reheating, as flavors can mellow. For the full recipe, you can refer to the earlier section. Can I make this stew in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Start by sautéing the onion and garlic in a pan. Then, transfer them to your slow cooker. Add all the other ingredients, except the spinach and lemon. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add spinach before serving. How can I make it spicier? To add heat, use fresh chili peppers or red pepper flakes. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. Is it possible to make this stew ahead of time? Absolutely! This stew tastes even better the next day. Make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat before serving to enjoy the rich flavors. Can I substitute fresh herbs for dried? Yes, you can! Use three times more fresh herbs than dried. So, if a recipe calls for one teaspoon of dried, use three teaspoons of fresh. Fresh herbs will add a vibrant flavor. What is the nutritional information for Moroccan Chickpea Stew? This stew is packed with nutrients! A serving typically contains about 250 calories, 10 grams of protein, and 8 grams of fiber. It’s a great source of vitamins from the veggies and chickpeas. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. This article covered a tasty Moroccan Chickpea Stew. I shared the main ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips to perfect your dish. You can swap ingredients or adjust spices for your liking. Remember to store and reheat leftovers properly. This stew is not just healthy; it’s also fun to make. Enjoy sharing it with family and friends. Embrace exploring flavors and making this dish your own. Cooking can be easy and enjoyable.

34. Moroccan Chickpea Stew

Discover the vibrant flavors of Moroccan Chickpea Stew with this easy recipe! Packed with nutritious ingredients like chickpeas, zucchini, and fresh spinach, this hearty stew is perfect for a cozy meal. With spices like cumin and smoked paprika, it’s a dish that warms the soul. Ready in just 40 minutes, it serves 4 to 6, making it ideal for family dinners. Dive into the recipe now and enjoy a taste of Morocco in your home!

Ingredients
  

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, thoroughly drained and rinsed

1 large onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

1 red bell pepper, diced into small pieces

1 medium zucchini, diced

1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes, with juices

2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 cup fresh baby spinach, washed and dried

Fresh cilantro or parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

In a spacious pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.

    Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent.

      Incorporate the minced garlic into the pot and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently until it becomes aromatic.

        Add the diced carrots, red bell pepper, and zucchini to the pot. Sauté these vegetables for 5-7 minutes, allowing them to soften and start to caramelize.

          Sprinkle the ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the vegetables. Stir thoroughly to ensure the spices evenly coat the mixture, cooking for another 2 minutes.

            Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the vegetable broth. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

              Stir in the drained chickpeas and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the chickpeas to heat through and absorb flavors.

                Just before serving, gently fold in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt for approximately 1-2 minutes.

                  Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

                    Serve the stew hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley. Offer lemon wedges on the side for a bright, zesty finish.

                      - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4-6 servings

                        - Presentation Tips: Ladle the stew into deep bowls and garnish generously with fresh herbs. A drizzle of olive oil on top can enhance the visual appeal, and the vibrant colors of the vegetables will make the dish inviting. Enjoy a side of crusty bread or warm pita for dipping!