Za’atar-Spiced Chickpea and Tomato Stew with Toasted Pine Nuts
A vibrant vegetarian Middle Eastern stew combining earthy chickpeas, fresh tomatoes, and fragrant za’atar, topped with crunchy toasted pine nuts. This middle eastern-inspired vegan (vegetarian, vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed, olive oil, medium yellow onion, diced 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 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 medium (about 2 cups) fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp za’atar spice blend
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened and golden. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 chopped fresh tomatoes, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp za’atar, and 1 tsp ground cumin. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down and sauce thickens.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups drained canned chickpeas and 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 15 minutes until stew thickens slightly.
- Step 4: While the stew simmers, toast 1/4 cup pine nuts in a dry small pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Step 5: Remove the stew from heat, stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve topped with toasted pine nuts for added crunch.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Za’atar-Spiced Chickpea and Tomato Stew with Toasted Pine Nuts 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 Za’atar-Spiced Chickpea and Tomato Stew with Toasted Pine Nuts?
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 Za’atar-Spiced Chickpea and Tomato Stew with Toasted Pine Nuts?
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 Za’atar-Spiced Chickpea and Tomato Stew with Toasted Pine Nuts 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 Za’atar-Spiced Chickpea and Tomato Stew with Toasted Pine Nuts vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
