Spiced Northwind Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew

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

A warming stew of tender chickpeas and sweet potatoes infused with warming spices and a touch of northern-inspired earthiness. This middle eastern-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 55 minutes pairs olive oil, large, chopped yellow onion, minced garlic cloves 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: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 large chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 medium diced sweet potatoes, 2 cups drained canned chickpeas, 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, and 3 cups vegetable broth. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Bring stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and the stew thickens.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve the stew hot with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over for brightness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Northwind Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Northwind 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Northwind 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 Spiced Northwind 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.

Is Spiced Northwind Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew vegan?

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

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