Moroccan Chickpea Stew

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Moroccan Chickpea Stew. On chilly winter days, I find myself craving this hearty dish, filled with vibrant spices and wholesome ingredients that are not only satisfying but also nourish the soul. I often reminisce about the first time I made it, gathering all the ingredients in my kitchen, with the fragrant aroma of spices filling the air as I sautéed the onions and garlic. It was a delightful experience that brought my family together around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter while savoring every bite. Now, every time I make Moroccan Chickpea Stew, it feels like a warm hug, a reminder of the joy that cooking can bring.

What You’ll Need for Moroccan Chickpea Stew

When it comes to Moroccan Chickpea Stew, the ingredients are what truly make it shine. This dish is built on a foundation of nourishing elements that work harmoniously together to create a rich and satisfying flavor profile. Key players include chickpeas, red lentils, and a vibrant mix of spices that transport you straight to the heart of Morocco. Each ingredient contributes to a delightful stew that’s perfect for warming up during the winter months.

• 1 large onion, finely chopped: The base of flavor, providing sweetness and depth to the stew.
• 1 T olive oil: Essential for sautéing the aromatics and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
• 2 tsp. minced ginger: Adds a fresh and zesty kick that brightens the stew.
• 1 T finely minced garlic: A must-have for rich flavor and aroma.
• 1 tsp. ground turmeric: Offers an earthy flavor and a beautiful golden color.
• 3/4 cup celery, finely diced: Contributes crunch and freshness.
• 1 tsp. Garam Masala: A fragrant spice blend that brings warmth to the dish.
• 1 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom: Infuses a sweet and floral note that enhances the overall flavor.
• 1/4 tsp. ground cayenne pepper: Adds a touch of heat for those who enjoy a little spice.
• 1 tsp. ground cumin: A key spice that deepens the earthy flavors.
• 6 cups vegetable stock or canned vegetable broth: Forms the liquid base of the stew.
• 1 1/2 cups red lentils: Provides protein and thickens the stew beautifully.
• one 15 oz. can chickpeas, rinsed until no more foam appears: Adds substance and protein.
• one 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes: Introduces acidity and sweetness to balance flavors.
• cooked brown rice for serving (optional): A hearty base that complements the stew.
• sour cream or plain yogurt for serving (optional): Adds creaminess and tang when dolloped on top.

Making This Moroccan Chickpea Stew

Getting your hands dirty in the kitchen is all part of the fun when making Moroccan Chickpea Stew. The process is straightforward and allows you to enjoy the aromas of spices and vegetables as they come together. With each step, you’ll witness the transformation into a hearty stew that fills your home with warmth and comfort. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious dish!

1. Start by heating the olive oil in a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the onions, ginger, garlic, and turmeric. Gently sauté, stirring often, for about seven minutes until the onions are quite soft but not browned. You’ll notice the sweet aroma filling your kitchen as the onions cook down.
2. Next, add the diced celery, Garam Masala, ground cardamom, cayenne pepper, and ground cumin to the pot. Continue sautéing for another three to four minutes until the celery just starts to soften. The spices will create an irresistible fragrance that invites everyone into the kitchen.
3. Pour in the vegetable stock, followed by the red lentils, canned tomatoes, and rinsed chickpeas. Stir everything together until well combined, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. The vibrant colors will start to blend beautifully as the stew begins to bubble.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to the barest simmer and cover the pan with a lid. Let the mixture simmer, stirring a few times, until the lentils are dissolved enough that the stew thickens. This should take around 60 minutes, and the longer you let it simmer, the more the flavors will deepen. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. After an hour, check the consistency of the stew. It should be thick and chunky, with individual chickpeas and lentils discernible. If it appears too watery, let it cook for a little longer, uncovered, to allow steam to escape. The perfect texture will be the result of patience.
6. Once ready, serve your Moroccan Chickpea Stew hot over a bed of brown rice, if you choose to include it. Top with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt for an added creamy contrast. This stew is also delightful on its own, showcasing the wonderful flavors of the spices and legumes.
7. After serving, be sure to save any leftovers. This stew tastes even better the next day, when the flavors have had time to meld and intensify. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently when you’re ready for another serving.
8. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider making a larger batch and freezing some for future meals. Moroccan Chickpea Stew holds up well in the freezer, making it an ideal option for meal prep. Just thaw before reheating and enjoy the same delicious flavor.

Helpful Hints

When preparing Moroccan Chickpea Stew, having a few helpful hints in mind can enhance your cooking experience. Here are some tips to ensure you get the best results possible:

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious stew multiple times.
• Freezing: The stew freezes well, so consider making a double batch and freezing portions for later. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
• Pairing: Serve the stew with crusty bread or a fresh salad to round out the meal and add some texture.
• Adjusting flavors: If you find the stew too thick, you can always add a bit more vegetable stock to reach the desired consistency.
• Garnishing: Experiment with toppings like fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor.

How to Enjoy Moroccan Chickpea Stew

Enjoying Moroccan Chickpea Stew is all about finding the right accompaniments and settings. Consider these ideas for making the most of your meal:

• As a cozy dinner: This stew is perfect for a quiet evening at home, served alongside a glass of water or herbal tea.
• Great for gatherings: Serve Moroccan Chickpea Stew at dinner parties or family gatherings where everyone can help themselves, creating a communal dining experience.
• Seasonal delight: Ideal for winter nights, this stew provides warmth and comfort when the weather is chilly, making it a seasonal favorite.
• Meal prep option: Prepare a large batch during the weekend and portion it out for quick, healthy lunches throughout the week.
• Festive occasions: This dish can also serve as a hearty main course during festive occasions like Ramadan, bringing people together to share a nourishing meal.
• Easy transportation: If you’re heading to a potluck or picnic, pack the stew in a thermos to keep it warm and easily transportable.

FAQ

Conclusion

Moroccan Chickpea Stew is a spectacular dish that combines vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, making it a fantastic addition to your recipe collection. Its comforting essence and ease of preparation invite everyone to savor every last bite. I encourage you to try making this stew; it’s not just a meal, but a heartwarming experience that can bring family and friends together.

Moroccan Chickpea Stew

The ultimate comfort food, Moroccan Chickpea Stew combines hearty ingredients and aromatic spices for a satisfying meal. Packed with chickpeas, red lentils, and a blend of spices, it's ideal for warming up on chilly nights. Don't miss out on making it tonight!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Moroccan

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 1 T olive oil or perhaps a little more, depending on your pan
• 2 tsp. minced ginger or grated fresh ginger
• 1 T finely minced garlic
• 1 tsp. ground turmeric
• 3/4 cup celery finely diced
• 1 tsp. Garam Masala
• 1 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp. ground cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 6 cups vegetable stock or canned vegetable broth
• 1 1/2 cups red lentils
• 1 15 oz. can chickpeas rinsed until no more foam appears
• 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
• 1 cooked brown rice for serving (optional)
• 1 sour cream or plain yogurt for serving (optional)

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Grater
• Saucepan
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Add onions, ginger, garlic, and turmeric and gently saute, stirring often, for about 7 minutes, or until onions are quite soft but not browned.
3. Add diced celery, Garam Masala, ground cardamom, cayenne pepper, and ground cumin and saute 3-4 minutes more, until celery barely starts to soften.
4. Add the stock, red lentils, canned tomatoes, and rinsed chickpeas and bring mixture to a gentle boil.
5. When it starts to bubble, reduce heat to the barest simmer and cover pan with lid.
6. Let mixture simmer, stirring a few times, until lentils are dissolved enough that mixture has thickened into a chunky stew.
7. The shorter time you cook it, the more chunky it will be. I cooked mine at the barest simmer for about 60 minutes.
8. Serve hot, over brown rice and topped with sour cream or plain yogurt if desired.
9. Paula said this is even better after it’s been in the fridge, and I’d have to agree that like many stews, the flavors were even better the next day.
10. The Moroccan Chickpea Stew freezes very well, so I’d recommend making the whole batch, even if you’re only cooking for a small number of people. However, it’s so good it might not make it into the freezer.

Notes

• Tip 1: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious stew multiple times.
• Tip 2: The stew freezes well, so consider making a double batch and freezing portions for later. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
• Tip 3: Serve the stew with crusty bread or a fresh salad to round out the meal and add some texture.
• Tip 4: If you find the stew too thick, you can always add a bit more vegetable stock to reach the desired consistency.
• Tip 5: Experiment with toppings like fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor.

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Meet Carmen Rhoades

Precision is key to a perfect feast, and I apply that rigor to everything I do here. I am deeply involved in measuring, timing, and refining the techniques behind our recipes. I have cooked this dish multiple times, troubleshooting every step so that your experience in the kitchen is seamless and successful.