Popular-Inspired Spiced Chickpea and Tomato Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty and warmly spiced chickpea stew simmered in a tomato base with garlic and fragrant spices, a comforting vegetarian dish. This mediterranean-inspired vegan (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs (about 1 can, drained) cooked chickpeas, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 cups cooked chickpeas, 14 oz can crushed tomatoes, and 1 cup vegetable broth. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Bring the stew to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve warm with rice or crusty bread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Popular-Inspired Spiced Chickpea and Tomato Stew take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Popular-Inspired Spiced Chickpea and Tomato 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 Popular-Inspired Spiced Chickpea and Tomato 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 Popular-Inspired Spiced Chickpea and Tomato 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 Popular-Inspired Spiced Chickpea and Tomato Stew vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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