Mediterranean Slow-Simmered Chickpea & Vegetable Stew

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

A true Greek-inspired stew with slow-cooked chickpeas, roasted vegetables, and lemon-herb dressing for a deeply authentic experience. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 40 minutes pairs chickpeas, zucchini, red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

★ 4.0 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a deep pot over medium heat. Add 1/2-inch diced zucchini and 1/2-inch diced red bell pepper; sauté for 5 minutes until softened but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp dried oregano, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant but not golden.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas, 1 cup vegetable broth, and 2 tbsp lemon juice; bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes until flavors meld and vegetables are tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mediterranean Slow-Simmered Chickpea & Vegetable Stew take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Mediterranean Slow-Simmered Chickpea & Vegetable 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 chickpeas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Slow-Simmered Chickpea & Vegetable 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 Mediterranean Slow-Simmered Chickpea & Vegetable 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 Mediterranean Slow-Simmered Chickpea & Vegetable 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.

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