Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Stew

Name: Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 cup diced carrots; 1 cup diced potatoes; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz); 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Fresh Collection

I love making this Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Stew for its simplicity and vibrant flavors. The best part is just tossing everything in the crockpot and letting it do its magic. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas and fresh vegetables, this stew is not just filling but also nourishing. The blend of spices adds warmth and depth to the dish, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. With minimal effort, I can enjoy a healthy meal that everyone in the family loves.

Created by

Hester Lockwood

Last updated on 2026-01-11T15:13:35.457Z

When I first tried making this stew, I was blown away by how effortlessly it came together. I simply tossed in my ingredients and let the crockpot work its magic. I found that the longer cooking time really allowed the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty dish that warms you from the inside out.

One little tip I discovered is to sauté the onions and garlic briefly before adding them to the crockpot. This step enhances their sweetness and depth, making a noticeable difference in the overall flavor of the stew. Trust me—it’s worth the extra few minutes!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
A hearty, protein-packed meal that's perfect for busy days
Loaded with colorful vegetables that add nutrition and flavor
Easily customizable with your favorite spices or vegetables

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Stew is undoubtedly the chickpeas. Not only do they provide a hearty protein source, but they also contribute a creamy texture when cooked. If you're looking for a quicker option, canned chickpeas are perfect; just make sure to rinse them well to reduce the sodium content. Alternatively, you can use dried chickpeas, but remember to soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time since they will take longer to soften.

The vegetables play a crucial role in both flavor and nutrition. Carrots and potatoes not only add sweetness and starch but also thicken the stew as they release their starches during cooking. If you're short on time, feel free to use frozen vegetables; they are just as nutritious and can save you the chopping time. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen veggies may cook faster than fresh ones.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Stew

When it comes to sautéing the onion and garlic prior to slow cooking, this optional step can significantly enhance the depth of flavor in your stew. Sauté them until they become translucent and fragrant, usually around 5-7 minutes. If you're short on time, skip this step, but I recommend giving it a try at least once to appreciate the added complexity it brings to the dish.

Don't hesitate to customize the spices! If you prefer a bit of heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can elevate the stew. You can also experiment with other spices like turmeric or coriander. Just keep in mind that spices should be added in moderation; you can always adjust the seasoning at the end but starting with a conservative approach helps build a balanced flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delightful stew:

Ingredients

2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced potatoes
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on your preference!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious stew:

Prepare Ingredients

Chop the carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper. Mince the garlic and onion.

Sauté Aromatics (Optional)

In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in a little oil until fragrant. This enhances their flavors.

Combine in Crockpot

Add all the prepared ingredients into the crockpot. Stir to combine well.

Add Liquid and Spices

Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and add the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cook

Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours or until the vegetables are tender.

Garnish and Serve

Once done, garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy your delicious stew!

This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over rice!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice before serving or a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This chickpea stew is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you're looking to freeze it, it freezes well for up to three months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water if it thickens too much during storage.

For those busy days, you can also prepare all the chopped vegetables and spices ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Then, just combine them in the crockpot in the morning before you leave for the day. This will allow the stew to cook while you're out, and you'll come home to a delicious aroma.

Serving Suggestions

This stew is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but pairing it with a side of crusty whole grain bread or a fresh green salad can elevate your dining experience. The bread is perfect for soaking up all the flavors of the rich stew, while the salad provides a refreshing crunch that complements the warmth of the dish.

For a fun twist, you might consider serving the stew over a bed of cooked grains like quinoa or brown rice. This not only enhances the dish's texture but also adds more fiber and nutrients to your meal. Plus, you can play around with garnishes such as a dollop of yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice for a delightful finishing touch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze this stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.

→ What can I substitute for chickpeas?

You can use any other beans like black beans or kidney beans if chickpeas aren’t available.

→ Is this stew vegan?

Absolutely! All the ingredients are plant-based, making it a perfect vegan option.

→ How can I make this dish spicy?

Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the stew for some heat!