Moroccan Chickpea & Spinach Stew
If you’re craving something hearty, wholesome, and bursting with vibrant flavors, look no further than this Moroccan Chickpea & Spinach Stew. Packed with aromatic spices and fresh greens, this dish is a celebration of North African cuisine right in your kitchen. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this stew combines the earthiness of chickpeas with the bright freshness of spinach, all simmered in a tomato-based broth infused with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and a hint of cayenne. Whether you’re new to Moroccan flavors or a seasoned fan, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your recipe box.
The Upside of Moroccan Chickpea & Spinach Stew
This Moroccan Chickpea & Spinach Stew offers several benefits that make it a must-try:
- Nutritious and Filling: Chickpeas provide a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, helping to keep you satisfied and energized.
- Simple and Quick: Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s an ideal option for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without the fuss.
- Vibrant Flavors: The blend of warm spices like cumin and turmeric brings rich depth, while cayenne adds just the right kick.
- Versatile: Serve it as a stew on its own or pair it with rice, couscous, or crusty bread for a heartier meal.
- Vegetable-Packed: Fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and a tender bite, balancing the stew perfectly.
If you love dishes that are both comforting and wholesome, you might also want to try the Roasted Sweet Potato And Kale Bowl for a different take on a nutrient-rich meal.
What Goes Into Moroccan Chickpea & Spinach Stew
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: The base for sautéing and infusing flavors.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the stew.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and pungency.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: A key Moroccan spice with earthy notes.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander: Adds a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric: For a golden color and subtle bitterness.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Provides a gentle heat; adjust based on your spice preference.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: The stew’s rich and tangy base.
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed: Heart-healthy legumes packed with protein.
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Adds freshness, color, and nutrients.
- 2 cups vegetable broth: The flavorful cooking liquid that brings everything together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Brightens the dish with a pop of green and fresh herbal notes.
Cook’s Kit
- Large skillet or Dutch oven: For sautéing the aromatics and simmering the stew.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir the ingredients without scratching your cookware.
- Chef’s knife: To chop onion, garlic, and spinach quickly and efficiently.
- Measuring spoons: For precise spice measurements to balance flavors perfectly.
- Can opener: To open the tomato and chickpea cans easily.
Moroccan Chickpea & Spinach Stew Made Stepwise
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Toast the Spices
Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper to the onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their aromas, creating a fragrant base for the stew.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Chickpeas
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the rinsed chickpeas. Stir everything together, letting the tomatoes break down slightly as they cook with the spices and chickpeas.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Simmer
Add the vegetable broth, then season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the stew to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Incorporate the Spinach
Just before serving, stir in the roughly chopped fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and becomes tender, adding a vibrant green touch to the stew.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the stew from heat and sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top. Serve warm, either on its own or with your favorite sides. For a creamy, indulgent twist, try pairing it with the Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Pasta for a complete meal that balances flavors beautifully.
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps
- Swiss chard or kale: Use these hearty greens in place of spinach for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Fresh tomatoes: When in season, swap canned diced tomatoes for fresh chopped ones to brighten the stew.
- Sweet potatoes: Dice and add sweet potatoes for extra sweetness and substance.
- Lentils: Substitute chickpeas with lentils for a different protein option and texture.
Problems & Prevention
- Stew too watery: To thicken, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or mash some chickpeas against the side of the pot to release their starch.
- Overpowering spice: If the cayenne is too hot, reduce the amount or omit it entirely for a milder stew.
- Spinach turning mushy: Add spinach at the very end and cook just until wilted to maintain its texture and vibrant color.
- Lack of depth: Don’t skip toasting the spices; this step is key to unlocking their full flavor.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
This Moroccan Chickpea & Spinach Stew freezes beautifully, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the stew if it thickens too much during freezing.
Your Top Questions
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook until tender before adding them to the stew. This will take longer but provides a great homemade touch.
Is this stew spicy?
The cayenne pepper adds a gentle warmth, but you can adjust it to your liking. Omit or reduce the cayenne if you prefer a mild version.
What can I serve with Moroccan Chickpea & Spinach Stew?
This stew pairs wonderfully with fluffy couscous, crusty bread, or rice. For a fresh side, consider the Roasted Pepper And Feta Salad to complement the spices and add a cool contrast.
How long does this stew keep in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, the stew will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Keep Cooking
- Roasted Sweet Potato And Kale Bowl – A nutrient-dense, colorful bowl packed with roasted veggies and leafy greens.
- Roasted Pepper And Feta Salad – A vibrant salad with smoky roasted peppers and tangy feta cheese.
- Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Pasta – Creamy, cheesy pasta loaded with spinach and artichokes for a comforting meal.
Hungry for More?
If you love the warmth and spice of this Moroccan Chickpea & Spinach Stew, explore more recipes that highlight bold spices and wholesome ingredients. Experimenting with different legumes, vegetables, and spice blends can open up endless possibilities in your kitchen. Try pairing this stew with warm, toasted flatbreads or dolloping with a spoonful of yogurt for extra creaminess. No matter how you enjoy it, this stew promises to bring a taste of Morocco to your table with every comforting bite.
From the rich, fragrant spices to the tender chickpeas and fresh spinach, this Moroccan Chickpea & Spinach Stew is a nourishing, delicious dish fit for any day of the week. Its simplicity and bold flavors make it an easy favorite to return to again and again. So grab your skillet, gather your spices, and let this stew warm your heart and soul tonight!
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Moroccan Chickpea & Spinach Stew
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper to the onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their aromas, creating a fragrant base for the stew.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the rinsed chickpeas. Stir everything together, letting the tomatoes break down slightly as they cook with the spices and chickpeas.
- Add the vegetable broth, then season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the stew to thicken slightly.
- Just before serving, stir in the roughly chopped fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and becomes tender, adding a vibrant green touch to the stew.
- Remove the stew from heat and sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top. Serve warm, either on its own or with your favorite sides.
Notes
- This stew freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight and reheat gently before serving.
- To thicken the stew, simmer uncovered longer or mash some chickpeas to release starch.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level, or omit for a milder stew.
- Use Swiss chard or kale as alternatives to spinach for variation in texture and flavor.
- Serve with couscous, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal experience.
