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Homemade Moroccan Chickpea & Spinach Stew recipe photo

Moroccan Chickpea & Spinach Stew

This Moroccan Chickpea & Spinach Stew is hearty and bursting with vibrant North African flavors, perfect for a quick and wholesome meal any day of the week.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Moroccan, North African
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 14 oz diced tomatoes canned
  • 15 oz chickpeas canned, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Chef’s knife
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Can opener

Method
 

Moroccan Chickpea & Spinach Stew Made Stepwise
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.