Hidden Heat Spiced Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-05 · Updated 2026-05-05

This hearty stew combines tender chickpeas and sweet potatoes with a blend of warming spices and a hint of heat, simmered to a rich, comforting finish. This middle eastern-inspired vegan ready in about 55 minutes pairs olive oil, yellow onion, garlic cloves 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

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 4, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
• 2 medium (about 1 lb), peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes sweet potatoes
• 15 oz, drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
• 14 oz can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 2 medium peeled and diced sweet potatoes, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes to toast the spices.
4. Step 4: Pour in 15 oz drained and rinsed canned chickpeas, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices, and 2 cups vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
5. Step 5: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender and stew thickens.
6. Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir in 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness.
7. Step 7: Ladle stew into bowls and garnish each with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving warm.