Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Stew

Name: Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Clean Inspiration

When I first tried making a chickpea stew in my crockpot, I was surprised just how flavorful and hearty it could be. I never expected beans and vegetables could create such a rich, comforting dish. This recipe has become one of my go-to meals because it's not only healthy but also incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal effort, I can come home to a warm and savory stew that fills my home with delightful aromas and provides a nutritious dinner for my family after a busy day.

Created by

Sybil Hawkes

Last updated on 2026-01-13T06:19:35.884Z

Making this chickpea stew was a delightful experiment for me, as the combination of spices and vegetables led to an unexpectedly robust flavor. I added a splash of lemon juice at the end, which brightened the dish and created a perfect balance between earthy and tangy flavors. The slow cooking process allows the chickpeas to become tender, while the vegetables retain their shape, providing a nice texture.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it based on what you have in the pantry or your dietary preferences. I often swap out vegetables or add in extra greens for added nutrition. The result is always a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Nutritious ingredients that provide a hearty meal
Family-friendly and kid-approved flavors
Low-effort prep for a high-reward dish

The Power of Chickpeas

Chickpeas are the backbone of this stew, providing not only a satisfying texture but also a wealth of nutrients. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making this dish hearty enough to serve as a main course. Their creamy consistency helps to thicken the stew as it cooks, ensuring that each spoonful is rich and filling. Plus, chickpeas are incredibly versatile; if you ever want to change things up, you can easily swap them for lentils, though cooking times may need to be adjusted.

In this stew, the chickpeas absorb the flavors of the spices and vegetables, enhancing their natural taste. When preparing your ingredients, remember to rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly; this removes excess sodium and any canned taste. If you prefer dry chickpeas, soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time to about 8 hours on low, allowing them to soften in the broth.

Flavorful Spices

The spices in this chickpea stew not only provide warmth and depth but also contribute to its health benefits. Ground cumin, paprika, and turmeric are not just for flavor; they bring anti-inflammatory properties to the table as well. Turmeric, in particular, can give a lovely golden hue to the stew, making it visually appealing. Ensure that your spices are fresh; stale spices can lead to a lackluster flavor. If fresh turmeric root is available, consider grating a small amount to elevate the stew’s flavor and nutrition.

Adjusting the spice levels is entirely up to your taste. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the mix before cooking. Similarly, if you want to experiment with the flavor profile, smoked paprika can lend a unique aroma and depth to the stew. Don’t forget to taste the stew before serving; a simple adjustment of salt or pepper can elevate the entire dish.

Make-Ahead and Variations

This Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Stew is perfect for meal prepping. You can make a large batch at the beginning of the week and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes beautifully; portion out servings into freezer-safe containers and lay them flat in the freezer for easy storage. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Feel free to add more vegetables to the stew based on what you have at hand. Spinach, kale, or zucchini can all be wonderful additions that boost nutrition and flavor. Just toss them in during the last hour of cooking if using the crockpot, or sauté them first if you’re cooking this on the stovetop. These variations not only enhance the stew but also allow you to customize it to fit seasonal produce or personal preferences.

Ingredients

The following ingredients are what you'll need to create this wholesome stew:

Ingredients

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

These ingredients combine beautifully to create a stew that’s tasty and fulfilling.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your chickpea stew:

Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into small pieces. Mince the garlic and rinse the chickpeas.

Add Ingredients to the Crockpot

In your crockpot, combine the chickpeas, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and the bay leaf. Stir well to combine.

Season and Cook

Add salt and pepper to taste. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Final Touches

Once cooked, taste the stew and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy stew that is perfect for any day!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize the vegetables to your liking or add some leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, in the last hour of cooking for added nutrients.

Storing and Serving

When it comes to serving this stew, a garnish of fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch and a burst of freshness that balances the rich flavors perfectly. Pair it with crusty bread or over a bed of quinoa for a wholesome dinner. The stew is robust enough to stand alone, but a side of whole-grain bread can enhance your meal experience, perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.

For storing leftovers, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. This will prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess. If stored properly, the stew can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Reheating is simple; just warm it on the stovetop on low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally, to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your chickpea stew is too thick after cooking, you can easily adjust the consistency by adding a little more vegetable broth or water before serving. Be sure to heat it gently on the stovetop, stirring to combine the ingredients without scorching the bottom. Likewise, if the stew tastes too bland, a pinch more salt or a splash of vinegar can help to enhance the flavors dramatically.

Should you discover that the stew lacks balance, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. Citrus can brighten the flavor profile, bringing out the spices and complementing the earthiness of the chickpeas. Remember to taste and adjust; every batch may differ based on ingredient freshness and individual palates.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, if you prefer using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the crockpot.

→ Can I freeze this stew?

Absolutely! This stew freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

→ What can I serve with this stew?

This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over rice for a more filling meal.

→ How long can leftovers be stored?

Leftover stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.