Spicy Chickpea Stew

We cleaned up a dish chock full of Moroccan flavor and spice. The hearty stew is sure to warm your body as the weather starts to cool.

Photo: Gregory James

By JoAnne Usdavin

Serves: 4
Makes: 4 cups
Total time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tbsp organic extra-virgin coconut oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 jalapeno pepper, minced (Note: For a milder stew, remove seeds)
• 1 1/2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup dried chickpeas
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, stemmed and chopped, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, add chickpeas and enough cold water to cover by 1 inch. Soak overnight, for 8 to 18 hours. Drain.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil on medium until melted. Add cumin and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add onion, celery, carrots and salt and saute, stirring frequently, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic, jalapeno and ginger and saute for 1 more minute. Add turmeric and cinnamon stick and stir to combine.
3. Stir in 2 cups water, tomatoes and chickpeas. Increase heat to bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until beans are tender, 30 to 45 minutes. Add garam masala and stir to combine; remove cinnamon stick. Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with cilantro, dividing evenly.

Nutrients per serving (1 cup chickpea stew): Calories: 294, Total Fat: 7 g, Sat. Fat: 3 g, Carbs: 48 g, Fiber: 12 g, Sugars: 13 g, Protein: 12 g, Sodium: 629 mg, Cholesterol: 0 mg

Reader Recipe Developer:
Joanne Usdavin
“I love to make this recipe on a cool day, as the spices warm you up from the inside! My family and I enjoy this recipe for the vegetarian protein and filling fiber of the chickpeas, along with the clean, whole foods ingredients to keep us nourished and satisfied all day.
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