Merriam-Webster-Inspired Wordplay Spiced Chickpea Stew
A comforting and aromatic chickpea stew bursting with warm spices, inspired by the joyful meaning of fun and wordplay. This mediterranean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion, minced 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
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes to the pot. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes with their juice and 2 cans (15 oz each) drained and rinsed canned chickpeas. Pour in 2 cups vegetable broth, then season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Bring the stew to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 20 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve warm with crusty bread or over rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Merriam-Webster-Inspired Wordplay Spiced Chickpea Stew take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Merriam-Webster-Inspired Wordplay Spiced 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 Merriam-Webster-Inspired Wordplay Spiced 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 Merriam-Webster-Inspired Wordplay Spiced 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.
Is Merriam-Webster-Inspired Wordplay Spiced Chickpea Stew vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
