Smoky Harissa-Spiced Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty vegetable stew with roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas, infused with North African harissa and aromatic spices. This North African-inspired soup recipe, ready in about 65 minutes, pairs sweet potatoes, chickpeas, olive oil 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 North African cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 2 medium peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp salt on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced red bell pepper and 1 medium cubed zucchini, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp harissa paste, 1 tsp cumin, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 2 cups chicken broth, and 1 can drained and rinsed chickpeas. Bring to a simmer, then add roasted sweet potatoes and cook for 15 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tbsp lemon juice, cooking for 2 minutes until flavors meld. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Harissa-Spiced Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 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 Smoky Harissa-Spiced Chickpea and Sweet Potato 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 sweet potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Harissa-Spiced Chickpea and Sweet Potato 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 Smoky Harissa-Spiced Chickpea and Sweet Potato 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.

What goes well with Smoky Harissa-Spiced Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew?

North African soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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