Pantry Treasure Stew

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-02 · Updated 2026-04-02

A hearty, one-pot stew made with pantry staples like beans, canned tomatoes, and spices, revealing hidden layers of flavor as it simmers. This american-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs chickpeas, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 285 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 285 cal/serving

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Ingredients

1 can (15 oz, drained) chickpeas
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
1 medium diced onion
1 medium, grated carrot
3 cloves, minced garlic
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
2 cups, chopped kale

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering, then add diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
Step 2: Add grated carrot and minced garlic, stirring constantly for 2 minutes until carrots soften slightly.
Step 3: Stir in cumin and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
Step 4: Add drained chickpeas, diced tomatoes with juice, and vegetable broth, bringing to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 6: Stir in chopped kale and cook uncovered for 5 minutes until kale is tender but still vibrant green.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pantry Treasure 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 Pantry Treasure 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 Pantry Treasure 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 Pantry Treasure 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 Pantry Treasure 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.