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Crockpot Chickpea Stew

This hearty crockpot chickpea stew is a comforting, slow-cooked dish featuring tender chickpeas simmered in smoky tomato and spice flavors with aromatic garlic and lemon. The final result is a thick, velvety stew with a rich aroma and a bright citrus finish, perfect for cozy evenings. Its rustic appearance and deeply flavorful profile make it an effortless go-to for nourishing comfort food.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 large carrot diced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups canned chickpeas rinsed and drained
  • 4 cups vegetable broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 lemon lemon juiced at the end
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for finishing
  • fresh herbs cilantro or parsley chopped, optional

Equipment

  • 4-6 quart slow cooker
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Skillet
  • Stirring spoon

Method
 

  1. Start by prepping your aromatics: mince the garlic, chop the onion, and dice the carrot. Set aside.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic, chopped onion, and diced carrot until fragrant and the onions are translucent—about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should smell sweet and smoky as the garlic turns golden.
  3. Transfer the sautéed aromatics into your slow cooker. Add the rinsed chickpeas, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. During this time, the chickpeas will soften, and the flavors will meld into a rich, smoky broth.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, open the lid and taste the stew. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice for brightness and season with salt and pepper if needed. The stew should have a fragrant smoky aroma with a hint of citrus.
  6. Stir in a tablespoon of olive oil for a glossy finish and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness and color.
  7. Serve the chickpea stew hot, ladled into bowls. The thick, velvety texture, smoky aroma, and bright citrus finish make it a comforting yet vibrant meal.

Notes

For extra depth, toast the spices briefly in the skillet before adding liquids. Rinse chickpeas thoroughly to avoid metallic aftertaste. Squeeze lemon at the end to preserve its bright flavor. Adjust seasoning to your taste, and feel free to add fresh herbs just before serving for maximum aroma.