Smoky Paprika-Spiced Chickpea Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty chickpeas simmered in a smoky tomato broth with roasted bell peppers. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 45 minutes pairs (15 oz each), drained chickpeas, roasted and sliced red bell peppers, tomato paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 3.7 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp paprika, and 1 tsp cumin. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to toast spices.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 drained cans chickpeas, 2 roasted and sliced red bell peppers, 3 cups chicken broth, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and broth thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove bay leaves. Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra paprika and crusty bread for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Paprika-Spiced Chickpea Stew take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Paprika-Spiced Chickpea 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 tomato paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Paprika-Spiced Chickpea 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 Paprika-Spiced Chickpea 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.

What goes well with Smoky Paprika-Spiced Chickpea Stew?

Mediterranean vegetarian 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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