Irresistible Moroccan Chickpea Stew : Bold, Comforting, and Totally Vegan

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting, and boldly spiced dish that’s also plant-based and nourishing, this Moroccan Chickpea Stew is the answer. Made with warming spices, tomatoes, garlic, and chickpeas, this stew is a flavorful fusion of North African flair and everyday pantry ingredients.

Whether you’re planning a wholesome family dinner, exploring big batch vegan meals, or just want something hearty without meat, this stew delivers. It’s loaded with protein-rich Moroccan chickpeas, soft-cooked vegetables, and a rich tomato base that simmers beautifully with cumin, cinnamon, and paprika. Bonus? It’s easy to make, freezer-friendly, and incredibly satisfying.

Love hearty veggie meals? You might also enjoy this Vegetarian Pasta Primavera or a warm bowl of Pumpkin Chicken Chili.

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Why This Moroccan Chickpea Stew Belongs in Your Weekly Meal Plan

This chickpea stew recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. Here’s why:

• Simple ingredients: All from your pantry or a quick trip to the market.
• Nutrient-dense: High in fiber, protein, iron, and heart-healthy ingredients.
• Perfect for meal prep: This stew keeps well for days and freezes even better.
• Vegan & gluten-free: Ideal for nearly every diet.
• Big on flavor: With cinnamon, smoked paprika, cumin, and a touch of chili, it’s bold and warming.

If you’re into make-ahead comfort meals, check out these Make-Ahead Breakfast Bowls to start your day strong, too.

Ingredients for Moroccan Chickpea Stew

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this beautiful, aromatic dish. Keep the spices fresh and vegetables vibrant for best results.

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large red onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1½ tsp ground cumin
• 1½ tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½–1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes
• 2 x 400g cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 250 ml vegetable stock
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Fresh coriander or parsley, for garnish

Optional toppings: dairy-free yogurt, chili oil, lemon zest, or toasted nuts.

Looking for another cozy, spice-forward dinner? This Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry is another crowd-pleaser.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make this Moroccan chickpea stew effortlessly, gather the following:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board & knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Can opener
• Ladle for serving

How to Make Moroccan Chickpea Stew – Step-by-Step Instructions

This stew comes together in under an hour and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Step 1: Sauté aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 8–10 minutes until soft and slightly golden. Stir frequently to avoid burning.

Step 2: Add garlic and spices
Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and chili flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Tomato base
Add the tomato paste and stir to coat the onions and spices. Cook for another minute. Then pour in the canned tomatoes, including their juices. Let everything simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 4: Add veggies and chickpeas
Toss in the chopped carrots, bell pepper, and chickpeas. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Simmer with broth
Pour in the vegetable stock, season with salt and pepper, and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the stew has thickened.

Step 6: Final flavor boost
Stir in lemon juice and taste to adjust seasoning. Add more chili or lemon for brightness if needed.

Step 7: Garnish and serve
Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley or coriander and your favorite toppings.

Pair it with a side like Cottage Cheese Flatbread or Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes.

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Serving Suggestions for Moroccan Chickpea Stew

This stew is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving:

• Serve it in a bowl with a scoop of cooked rice or quinoa
• Enjoy it with warm crusty bread or Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
• Pair it with a cooling side like Cucumber Dill Salad
• Garnish with lemon zest, plant-based yogurt, or a drizzle of chili oil
• Top with roasted pumpkin seeds or chopped almonds for crunch

Looking for a sweet finish? Try these Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles for dessert.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This stew is a champion when it comes to leftovers.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm gently in a pot or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen if needed.

This makes it perfect for batch cooking, just like these Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches.

Variations on Moroccan Chickpea Stew You’ll Love

Customize this dish with your favorite seasonal veggies or pantry staples:

• Swap chickpeas for white beans or lentils
• Add zucchini, sweet potato, or kale for extra nutrition
• Stir in a spoonful of harissa for deeper spice
• Mix in coconut milk for a creamy twist
• Use preserved lemon or sumac for tangy depth

You may also enjoy the Mediterranean twist in this Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Chickpea Stew Recipes

• Overcooking vegetables until mushy
• Not toasting spices before adding liquids
• Using low-quality canned tomatoes
• Skipping lemon juice at the end—it balances the flavor beautifully
• Using too much chili before tasting

For more foolproof comfort food, try this Crack Breakfast Casserole.

Chickpea Stew Recipe Tips for Richer Flavor and Texture

• Use fire-roasted canned tomatoes for more depth
• Stir in some tahini or almond butter for creaminess
• Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving
• Add a cinnamon stick or star anise while simmering
• Garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil

Make It a Part of Your Big Batch Vegan Meals Plan

This stew is perfect for batch cooking and freezing:

• Portion into 1–2 cup servings
• Freeze flat in bags or store in containers
• Label with date and contents
• Reheat on busy weeknights for instant comfort

Pair with quick sides like Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes for a hearty, meal-prep-friendly combo.

Moroccan Chickpeas vs. Persian Chickpea Stew: What’s the Difference?

While similar in ingredients, Moroccan and Persian stews differ in flavor profiles. Moroccan chickpea stew leans into warm spices like cinnamon and paprika, while Persian chickpea stew often includes turmeric, saffron, and dried lime for a tangier and subtler taste.

Nutritional Benefits of This Hearty Vegetarian Stew

This vegetarian chickpea dish is as good for your body as it is for your taste buds:

• High in plant protein
• Rich in dietary fiber for digestion
• Contains antioxidants from tomatoes and garlic
• Packed with iron, folate, and potassium
• Naturally low in fat and cholesterol-free

For more plant-powered goodness, check out these Crispy Smashed Potato Salad and Healthy Veggie Egg Scramble.

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FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Moroccan Chickpeas

Can I use dried chickpeas?
Yes! Soak overnight and cook until tender before adding.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, it tastes even better the next day.

Can I use other beans?
Sure—white beans, black beans, or lentils work well.

Is it spicy?
It’s mild by default. Add chili flakes or harissa to boost heat.

What can I serve with it?
Rice, couscous, flatbread, or even over roasted vegetables.

Final Thoughts: Why This Is One of the Best Chickpea Dishes to Master

This Moroccan Chickpea Stew is the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s easy, hearty, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re new to chickpeas or already a fan, this stew will quickly become a weeknight favorite—and it only gets better the next day.

If you’re into cozy, seasonal dishes, be sure to try Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal for breakfast the next morning.

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