Low-Heat Simmered Moroccan Chickpea Stew
A warming vegetarian stew simmered slowly over low heat, featuring chickpeas, tomatoes, and warm Moroccan spices for a comforting dinner. This moroccan-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 65 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 280 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 28 oz (1 can) canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
- for serving lemon wedges
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over low heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, cooking gently for 8-10 minutes until soft and fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until the spices release their aroma.
- Step 3: Add 28 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juices, 2 cans (15 oz each) drained and rinsed chickpeas, and 2 cups vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
- Step 4: Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then cover and simmer over the lowest heat setting for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until the stew thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over each bowl for brightness.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Low-Heat Simmered Moroccan Chickpea Stew take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 Low-Heat Simmered Moroccan 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Heat Simmered Moroccan 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 Low-Heat Simmered Moroccan Chickpea Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Low-Heat Simmered Moroccan Chickpea Stew vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Amazingly aromatic! I'll be making this every week. The spices were spot on.
- ★★★★★
Loved how the flavors melded together. It's my new go-to for a quick weeknight meal.
- ★★★★★
The low-heat simmer made the chickpeas so tender. A great vegan dish that's healthy too!








