Harissa-Spiced Chickpea Stew with Lemon Zest

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, aromatic stew featuring roasted chickpeas in a smoky harissa-spiked tomato broth, brightened by fresh lemon. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegan-friendly) ready in about 55 minutes pairs chickpeas, harissa paste, diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain and rinse 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, then toss with 2 tbsp olive oil and roast on a sheet pan at 400°F for 25 minutes until golden and crisp.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pot over medium heat, add 2 tbsp harissa paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, and 1/2 cup reserved chickpea liquid; bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add roasted chickpeas to the pot and simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro and the zest of 1 lemon.
  5. Step 5: Simmer uncovered for 3 more minutes until flavors meld, then serve hot with extra cilantro and lemon zest.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Harissa-Spiced Chickpea Stew with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Harissa-Spiced Chickpea Stew with Lemon Zest?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chickpeas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Harissa-Spiced Chickpea Stew with Lemon Zest?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Harissa-Spiced Chickpea Stew with Lemon Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Harissa-Spiced Chickpea Stew with Lemon Zest vegan-friendly?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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