This Chickpea Stew with Spices and Tomatoes is a hearty, flavorful dish filled with a variety of warm spices and rich flavors. The chickpeas are simmered to perfection in a spiced tomato base, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. The combination of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika provides a fragrant and deliciously complex flavor, while the addition of fresh coriander and a touch of butter brings it all together. This dish is perfect for a vegetarian or vegan meal and can be served with rice or bread for a complete meal.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (excluding soaking time)
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including soaking time for chickpeas)
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200 grams) dried chickpeas
- Water for soaking
- Vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1 red onion (250 grams), finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) grated garlic
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) grated ginger
- Hot pepper (optional, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon paprika or chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Water (as needed)
- 3 tomatoes (350 grams), pureed
- 1/2 cup chopped coriander (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for richness)
Directions
1. Soak the Chickpeas:
- Place the dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover them with plenty of water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse the chickpeas before cooking.
2. Cook the Chickpeas:
- In a large pot, add the soaked and drained chickpeas along with enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chickpeas are tender. You can also use a pressure cooker for quicker results (about 20-25 minutes).
3. Prepare the Stew Base:
- While the chickpeas are cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in another large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the grated garlic and ginger to the onions and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Add the Spices:
- Add the cumin seeds, ground coriander, turmeric, paprika (or chili powder), and salt to the onion mixture. Stir well and cook for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and release their fragrant aromas.
5. Add the Tomatoes:
- Puree the 3 tomatoes in a blender or food processor until smooth. Add the tomato puree to the pot with the spiced onion mixture. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Combine Chickpeas with Tomato Mixture:
- Once the chickpeas are cooked and tender, add them to the pot with the tomato and spice mixture. Add enough water to reach your desired stew consistency (about 1-2 cups of water, depending on how thick you want it).
- Bring the stew to a simmer and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Add Butter and Garnish:
- If desired, add 2 tablespoons of butter to the stew for a rich, velvety texture. Stir well until the butter is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like a spicier kick, add some chopped hot pepper at this stage.
8. Serve:
- Ladle the chickpea stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped coriander.
- Serve hot with rice, bread, or on its own for a satisfying, nutritious meal.
Serving Suggestions
- With Rice: Serve this flavorful chickpea stew with steamed basmati rice or couscous to soak up the delicious sauce.
- With Bread: Pair it with warm pita bread or crusty bread to make it a complete meal.
- As a Side Dish: This stew can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Cooking Tips
- Use Canned Chickpeas: If you’re short on time, you can substitute dried chickpeas with canned chickpeas. Just rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the stew.
- Adjust the Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. Add more paprika or chili powder for a spicier stew, or reduce the amount of cumin for a milder flavor.
- Make it Vegan: To keep the dish vegan, skip the butter or substitute with a plant-based butter or olive oil.
Variations to Try
- Add Spinach: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale at the end of cooking for added nutrition and color.
- Add Sweet Potatoes: Add diced sweet potatoes to the stew to make it even heartier and to balance the spiciness with natural sweetness.
- Add Coconut Milk: For a creamier texture and a hint of sweetness, you can add a can of coconut milk to the stew.
Nutritional Benefits
Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, making this stew filling and satisfying. The addition of tomatoes, onions, and spices adds antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The spices used in this dish, such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, are known for their anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. The butter adds richness and healthy fats, but it can be omitted or substituted with olive oil for a lighter option.
Conclusion
This Chickpea Stew with Spices and Tomatoes is a warm, hearty, and flavorful dish that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. Packed with spices, vegetables, and chickpeas, it’s a simple yet delicious meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Whether served with rice or bread, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, this stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.
-
Can I freeze this stew? Yes, this chickpea stew freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.
-
Can I add other vegetables to the stew? Yes, you can add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers to make the stew even more hearty and colorful.
-
Can I make this dish spicier? Yes, you can add more hot pepper or chili powder to the stew to increase the spice level according to your taste.
-
How can I make this dish thicker? If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the chickpeas in the pot or add a small amount of tomato paste for a richer consistency.