Spicy Moroccan Lentil & Chickpea Stew – Hearty & Vegan
Craving something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor? This Spicy Moroccan Lentil & Chickpea Stew is just what you need. It's a hearty vegan dish that's perfect for cozy evenings or meal prep for the week ahead. With a combination of spices, lentils, and chickpeas, this stew will make your taste buds dance.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- onion
- garlic
- carrot
- bell pepper
- ground cumin
- ground coriander
- smoked paprika
- cayenne pepper
- lentils
- chickpeas
- diced tomatoes
- vegetable broth
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Spices: Stir in the cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the lentils, chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Simmer the Stew: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if needed.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Cook’s tips
- Use brown or green lentils for the best texture; they hold their shape well during simmering.
- Bloom the spices in oil for a minute to enhance their aroma and depth of flavor.
- If the stew becomes too thick, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice tolerance—start with less and add more at the end if needed.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley just before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
Substitutions
- Use red lentils instead of brown or green for a quicker cook time, but they will break down more.
- Swap chickpeas for white beans if you prefer a different legume.
- Substitute canned diced tomatoes with fresh chopped tomatoes (add a bit of water if needed).
- Replace vegetable broth with water and a vegetable bouillon cube for a similar flavor.
- For extra smokiness, add a pinch of smoked salt or a dash of liquid smoke.
Storage & reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the stew if it thickens.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, sauté the aromatics and spices first, then transfer to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, but you'll need to soak and cook the chickpeas beforehand, or adjust the simmering time to ensure they are tender. Canned chickpeas are more convenient for this recipe.
Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free vegetable broth. All other ingredients are gluten-free.
How can I make it less spicy?
Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper, and use mild paprika instead of smoked paprika if you prefer less heat. You can also add a splash of coconut milk to mellow the spice.
