Spiced Moroccan-Inspired Chickpea Stew with Preserved Lemon
A hearty vegetarian stew with chickpeas, vibrant spices, and tangy preserved lemon, simmered to develop rich layers of flavor. This moroccan-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups cooked or canned, drained chickpeas
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped preserved lemon
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices become aromatic.
- Step 3: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juices, 2 cups cooked chickpeas, 2 cups vegetable broth, and 1 tbsp finely chopped preserved lemon. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low and let the stew cook gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving. Serve warm with couscous or crusty bread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Moroccan-Inspired Chickpea Stew with Preserved Lemon take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 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 Spiced Moroccan-Inspired Chickpea Stew with Preserved Lemon?
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 Spiced Moroccan-Inspired Chickpea Stew with Preserved Lemon?
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 Spiced Moroccan-Inspired Chickpea Stew with Preserved Lemon 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 Spiced Moroccan-Inspired Chickpea Stew with Preserved Lemon 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.
