Spanish Chickpea Stew Flavorful (Print)

A robust stew of chickpeas, vegetables, and Spanish spices for a cozy, nourishing main meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 carrot, diced
06 - 1 celery stalk, diced
07 - 1 can diced tomatoes (14 ounces)

→ Legumes

08 - 2 cans chickpeas (14 ounces each), drained and rinsed

→ Liquids

09 - 3 cups vegetable broth

→ Spices & Herbs

10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - Salt, to taste

→ Garnish

16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
17 - Lemon wedges (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, carrot, and celery. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Sprinkle smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and thyme over vegetables. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, until aromatic.
04 - Pour in diced tomatoes, chickpeas, vegetable broth, and add the bay leaf. Mix thoroughly to combine.
05 - Increase heat to bring mixture to a boil. Reduce to low and simmer, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and flavors have developed.
06 - Season generously with salt to taste. Discard the bay leaf. Serve hot, finished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The smoked paprika and sweet bell pepper make even a simple pot of chickpeas taste like a day spent in a sunny plaza.
  • I love that it can be made ahead; leftovers deepen in flavor and save me on busy weeknights.
02 -
  • If you rush the vegetable sauté, the base won’t develop its natural sweetness—and your stew will taste flat.
  • The first time I skipped the smoked paprika, I learned the hard way: don’t—it’s the secret behind that signature Spanish flavor.
03 -
  • Letting the stew rest for ten minutes before serving makes the flavors bloom even more.
  • Add a pinch of saffron or a splash of dry sherry for extra flair when you’re feeling fancy.
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