Wall-Climbing Spiced Chickpea Stew
A hearty vegetarian stew bursting with warm spices and tender chickpeas, inspired by the adventurous spirit of a gravity-defying playground. This middle eastern-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, large, finely 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, finely chopped yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 14 oz (400 g) canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- for serving lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp ground coriander; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until the spices release their aroma.
- Step 3: Stir in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juices, 2 cups cooked chickpeas, and 2 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes until the stew thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.
- Step 5: Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the stew for a bright finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Wall-Climbing Spiced Chickpea Stew take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Wall-Climbing 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Wall-Climbing 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 Wall-Climbing Spiced Chickpea 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 Wall-Climbing Spiced Chickpea 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.