Harissa-Spiced Lentil and Chickpea Stew
A protein-packed stew with earthy lentils, chickpeas, and a warm harissa kick, simmered in a savory tomato broth. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 50 minutes pairs brown lentils, chickpeas, diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 15 oz chickpeas
- 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 1 tsp cumin
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup brown lentils under cold water. Finely chop 1 peeled onion and 2 peeled carrots (cut into 1/4-inch pieces).
- Step 2: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil, then sauté onions and carrots for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 tbsp harissa paste and 1 tsp cumin, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed lentils, 14 oz diced tomatoes (with juices), 15 oz drained chickpeas, and 3 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and season with salt to taste. Simmer for 2 more minutes.
- Step 5: Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra cilantro.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Harissa-Spiced Lentil and Chickpea Stew take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Lentil and Chickpea Stew?
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 brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Harissa-Spiced Lentil and Chickpea Stew?
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 Lentil and Chickpea Stew 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.
What goes well with Harissa-Spiced Lentil and Chickpea Stew?
Mediterranean vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a cold evening. The lentils were so tender and the chickpeas added a great texture.
- ★★★★★
Loved the depth of flavor! Made it for my family and they all asked for seconds.
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe, but it took longer than the 30 minutes stated to thicken.
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