Looking for a vibrant and hearty vegetarian meal that practically cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew Recipe is your answer! Bursting with fragrant spices, tender chickpeas, and flavorful vegetables, this stew is not only incredibly delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Just toss everything into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it! This recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends with minimal effort while maximizing flavor.
What is Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew?
Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew is a delicious and aromatic dish inspired by the cuisine of Morocco. It’s a comforting and nutritious stew made with chickpeas, vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and onions, and a blend of warm Moroccan spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – the slow cooker does all the work, transforming humble ingredients into a flavorful and hearty meal. Using a slow cooker infuses the stew with a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve any other way. It really enhances the spice profile.
It’s naturally vegetarian and easily adapted to be vegan, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for plant-based options. Serve it with couscous, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Why wait? Try this simple recipe today and experience the taste of Morocco in your own home!
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew:
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this flavor-packed stew:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic to build a flavorful base.
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a pungent aroma and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: A cornerstone of Moroccan cuisine, offering a warm and earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander: Brings a citrusy and slightly nutty note.
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric: Adds a vibrant color and earthy flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides a touch of sweetness and warmth.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For a subtle kick of heat. Adjust to your preference.
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Forms the base of the stew and adds acidity.
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained: The star of the show, providing protein and a hearty texture.
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped: Adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Contributes sweetness and vibrant color. Remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
- 1 cup vegetable broth: Adds liquid and enhances the overall flavor.
- ½ cup dried apricots, chopped: Adds sweetness and a chewy texture. Make sure to buy unsulfured apricots.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro: Provides freshness and a bright herbal flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional): Adds brightness and acidity.
How to Make Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew:
This Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew is incredibly easy to prepare. It’s a dump-and-go recipe that requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Simply sauté the onions and garlic, add the remaining ingredients to your slow cooker, and let it simmer for hours until the flavors meld together into a delicious and satisfying stew.
The total preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and the cooking time in the slow cooker is around 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), rinsed and drained chickpeas, chopped carrots, chopped red bell pepper, vegetable broth, and chopped dried apricots.
- Season and Stir: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the carrots are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Stir in Fresh Cilantro: Once the stew is cooked, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired. Serve with couscous, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew:
This Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew is truly a standout dish for several reasons. First, the aromatic blend of spices creates a symphony of flavors that transport you straight to Morocco. The combination of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon offers a warm depth that is both comforting and exotic. Secondly, making this stew at home is incredibly cost-effective. Chickpeas are a budget-friendly source of protein, and the other ingredients are readily available and affordable. You can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal for a fraction of the price.
Finally, the sweetness of the dried apricots and the freshness of the cilantro add unique layers of flavor that elevate this stew to another level. The optional lemon wedges provide a bright, zesty finish that perfectly balances the sweetness and spice. If you enjoy this dish, you might also like my Mediterranean Quinoa Salad for another healthy and flavorful vegetarian option. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the magic of Moroccan cuisine in your own kitchen! Try this recipe today and discover your new favorite easy and delicious meal.
What to Serve Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew With:
This Moroccan Chickpea Stew is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with complementary dishes. For a complete and satisfying meal, consider serving it with:
- Couscous: A classic accompaniment that soaks up the flavorful sauce.
- Quinoa: A nutritious and gluten-free alternative to couscous.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the stew and soaking up the juices.
- Yogurt (Greek or plain): Adds a cooling tanginess that balances the spice.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
Top Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew:
Here are some valuable tips to help you create the most delicious and authentic Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew:
- Spice It Up: Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you prefer a spicier stew, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or sweet potatoes for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Use Fresh Herbs: While cilantro is the traditional choice, you can also use fresh parsley or mint for a different flavor profile.
- Toast the Spices: For an even more intense flavor, lightly toast the spices in a dry skillet for a minute or two before adding them to the stew.
- Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the stew, especially on high heat. The chickpeas can become mushy if cooked for too long.
- Ingredient substitutions: you can replace the dried apricots with raisins, cranberries, or prunes.
- Timing adjustments: If you skip the sauté step, the flavour will have a little less deapth although it can be skipped to save time.
5 Facts about Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew:
- Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber.
- Moroccan cuisine is known for its complex blend of spices and flavors.
- Slow cooking helps to meld the flavors together and create a tender texture.
- This stew is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan.
- It’s a budget-friendly and healthy meal option that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing: Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: You can reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Freezing: To freeze the stew, allow it to cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
This Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for any occasion. With its aromatic spices, tender chickpeas, and vibrant vegetables, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Morocco in your own home!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew FAQs:
Q: Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to soak them overnight and cook them before adding them to the slow cooker. Cooked chickpeas have a good texture within the stew.
Q: Can I make this stew on the stovetop?
A: Yes, you can. Sauté the ingredients as directed, then simmer the stew on the stovetop for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the vegetables are tender.
Q: Can I add meat to this stew?
A: While this recipe is designed to be vegetarian, you can add cooked lamb or chicken for extra protein.
Q: How can I make this stew vegan?
A: This stew is already vegan as written, so no changes are necessary.
Q: Can I use different vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or butternut squash.