Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Stew

Name: Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 can diced tomatoes with juice; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups spinach; Juice of one lemon

Highlighted under: Clean Healthy Food Inspiration

I absolutely love coming home to the comforting aroma of a hearty stew simmering in my crockpot. This Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Stew is not only easy to prepare, but it also packs a punch of flavor and nutrition. With just a handful of ingredients, I can create a warming and satisfying meal that my whole family enjoys. The best part? I can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully throughout the day. It's perfect for busy weeknights!

Created by

Nicola Fairchild

Last updated on 2026-01-13T07:25:38.298Z

When I first decided to make a chickpea stew in the crockpot, I was amazed at how delightful and hearty it turned out. The combination of spices and vegetables creates a depth of flavor that truly satisfies. One tip I discovered is to sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the crockpot. This simple step enhances their sweetness and brings out more flavor in the final dish.

Additionally, I love adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving. It brightens up the flavors and gives the stew a lovely freshness. Trust me, it transforms the entire dish and makes you want to go back for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and savory flavor that warms the soul
Packed with protein and fiber for a filling meal
Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup required

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Stew plays a vital role in creating a balanced dish. Chickpeas serve as the primary source of protein and fiber, making this stew not only filling but also nutritious. The diced tomatoes add acidity and sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile while contributing to a rich base. Additionally, the carrots and celery provide essential vitamins and a slight earthiness that rounds out the dish beautifully.

The spices, particularly ground cumin and smoked paprika, elevate the stew's flavor, offering a warm, slightly smoky undertone. These spices work harmoniously with the vegetables, creating depth in flavor as they simmer together. If you enjoy a bit more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. It's a perfect way to customize the dish to suit your taste buds!

Cooking Techniques for Success

Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the crockpot is a key step that shouldn't be skipped. This technique releases their natural sugars, enhancing their sweetness and overall flavor in the stew. Aim to sauté them until they become translucent and fragrant, typically around 5 minutes over medium heat. This small step can significantly improve the stew's depth of flavor.

While the stew cooks, resist the urge to peek frequently. Keeping the lid closed ensures that the steam builds up, which is crucial for an even cooking process. If you must check, try to do so within the last hour of cooking, as the fluctuation in temperature can affect the cooking time and texture.

Serving and Variations

Once the stew is ready, serving it is easy. You can enjoy it on its own, or pair it with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal. A dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese can add creaminess and a tangy contrast, enhancing the overall taste. Another delightful option is to serve it over quinoa or rice, which can absorb the stew's sauce beautifully.

For those looking to switch things up, consider adding other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. They’ll add a fresh crunch and extra nutrients while keeping the cooking time relatively the same. This stew is also perfect for meal prep; you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months for a quick meal later on.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a nourishing and delicious stew!

Ingredients

2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes with juice
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups spinach
Juice of one lemon

Ensure everything is well-mixed before cooking for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make this delicious stew!

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large skillet, sauté the onions and garlic over medium heat until translucent. This enhances the flavor of the stew.

Combine Ingredients

In the crockpot, combine the sautéed onion and garlic, chickpeas, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cook the Stew

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

Add Spinach

During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the spinach to wilt.

Serve

Before serving, add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh pop of flavor!

Your chickpea stew is ready to be enjoyed! Serve hot with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try incorporating some chopped kale or bell peppers to the stew. They will add more texture and nutrition! You can also adjust the spices according to your preference.

Make-It-Your-Own

Customizing this Chickpea Stew is a fantastic way to put your spin on a classic. If you're not a fan of spinach, kale is an excellent alternative that holds up well in slow cooking. You could also throw in some frozen peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a pop of color and sweetness. Changing up the herbs or spices based on your preference can also refresh the dish, making it feel new each time you make it.

If you're looking for a more substantial version, adding grains like farro or barley can give the stew a heartier texture. Cook them separately and stir them in just before serving. This not only enhances the stew's nutritional value but also makes it more filling.

Storing and Reheating

Once cooked, this stew can easily be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. For long-term storage, freezing works wonderfully; just portion the stew into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion. Defrosting is simple; just transfer it to the fridge overnight before reheating.

When it comes time to reheat, be sure to do so slowly. You can warm it on the stove over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. If you find the stew has thickened too much during storage, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water while heating can help restore its consistency.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your stew has turned out too thick, don’t worry! This can happen, especially with chickpeas and vegetables absorbing liquid during cooking. Simply add a small amount of vegetable broth or water while stirring to reach your desired consistency. Allow it to simmer on low for a few minutes after adding the liquid to meld the flavors back together.

On the other hand, if the stew seems too watery, you can let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to help concentrate the flavors and thicken the broth. It's all about finding that perfect balance for your preference, and this easy fix ensures you can enjoy every spoonful just the way you like it!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, just soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

→ Can I freeze this stew?

Yes, it freezes well! Just thaw before reheating.