🥘 Mediterranean Chickpea & Vegetable Stew
🍽️ Serves: 4
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 min
🔥 Cook Time: 25–30 min
🫘 Ingredients
Vegetables & Protein
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 medium carrot, diced
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1 medium zucchini, diced
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained & rinsed
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1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
Seasoning & Herbs
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp ground coriander (optional)
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½ tsp chili flakes (optional heat)
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1 tsp dried oregano
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Salt & pepper to taste
Liquids
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1 ½ cups vegetable broth
Fresh Ingredients
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2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
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Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
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½ lemon (juice squeezed in at the end)
👩🍳 Instructions
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Sauté aromatics
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Heat olive oil in a large pot.
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Add onion & carrot → cook 5 minutes until softened.
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Add garlic → cook 1 minute until fragrant.
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Cook vegetables
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Stir in zucchini & bell pepper.
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Season with cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and pepper.
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Cook 3–4 mins, letting spices toast slightly.
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Add chickpeas & tomatoes
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Add chickpeas + diced tomatoes + vegetable broth.
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Stir well and bring to a boil.
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Simmer
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Reduce heat to low.
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Cover and simmer 15 minutes until vegetables soften.
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Add spinach & lemon
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Stir in spinach until wilted (1–2 minutes).
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Squeeze lemon juice over top and adjust seasoning.
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Serve warm
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Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
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Optional: Serve with whole grain rice, quinoa, couscous, or crusty bread.
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💪 Nutrition Highlights (per serving — approximate)
| Nutrient | Benefit |
|---|---|
| High Fiber | Supports gut health, digestion |
| Plant Protein | Helps muscle repair & fullness |
| Antioxidants | Tomatoes, bell pepper, leafy greens |
| Healthy fats | Olive oil & Mediterranean herbs |
🔄 Variations
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Add sweet potato or eggplant for more depth
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Swap chickpeas with white beans or lentils
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Make spicy with Harissa or extra chili flakes
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Top with feta or yogurt (non-vegan)
