Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chickpea and Vegetable Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A nourishing, plant-based stew packed with chickpeas, tomatoes, zucchini, and aromatic herbs for a comforting Mediterranean meal. This mediterranean-inspired slow cooker (vegetarian, mediterranean) ready in about 260 minutes pairs (15 oz), drained chickpeas, diced tomatoes, diced zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 240 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the onion and garlic to a slow cooker. Add 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (drained), 2 cups diced tomatoes, 1 diced zucchini, 2 diced carrots, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 tsp salt. Stir to combine.
  3. Step 3: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender and the stew has thickened.
  4. Step 4: Just before serving, stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or herbs if needed.
  5. Step 5: Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley or crumbled feta cheese if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chickpea and Vegetable Stew take to make?

Total time is about 260 minutes (20 min prep + 240 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 Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chickpea and 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 (15 oz), drained chickpeas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chickpea and 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 Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chickpea and Vegetable Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chickpea and Vegetable 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.

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