One-Pot Mediterranean Chickpea and Couscous Stew

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-02 · Updated 2026-05-02

A hearty and fragrant stew featuring tender chickpeas and fluffy couscous simmered with tomatoes and aromatic spices for a comforting Mediterranean meal. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (vegetarian, mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes pairs extra virgin 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 extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 large, diced carrot
• 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
• 1 cup small pearl couscous
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup crumbled (optional) feta cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and garlic fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in 1 large diced carrot, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp dried oregano; cook for 2 minutes until the spices release their aroma.
3. Step 3: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juices and 3 cups vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed chickpeas and 1 cup small pearl couscous; cover and simmer on low heat for 10-12 minutes until couscous is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Let sit covered for 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Fluff with a fork, garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese if using, and serve warm.