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In the realm of home cooking, few things offer as much solace as a steaming bowl of comfort food. When the weather turns chilly or life feels overwhelming, nothing can quite compare to the warm embrace of a hearty stew. Enter the Cozy Chickpea Delight Stew—a delightful plant-based dish that not only nourishes the body but also warms the soul. This recipe stands out as a delicious option that caters to a variety of dietary preferences, making it an ideal choice for any season.

Slow Cooker Chickpea Stew

Warm up with a cozy bowl of Chickpea Delight Stew, a hearty plant-based recipe perfect for any season. This delightful dish showcases chickpeas, packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for all diets. With fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and the option for creamy coconut milk, this stew is simple to prepare and full of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, savor the comfort of this nutritious meal that warms both body and soul. Enjoy the satisfaction of cooking and sharing a wholesome dish with loved ones.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups dried chickpeas (or 4 cans of chickpeas, rinsed and drained)

1 large onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, chopped into small pieces

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, including juice

4 cups vegetable broth

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups fresh spinach (or kale, chopped)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare Chickpeas: If using dried chickpeas, soak them in water overnight, then drain and rinse them before adding them to your slow cooker. If using canned chickpeas, simply rinse and drain them well.

    Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Once hot, add the finely diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Next, incorporate the minced garlic, chopped carrots, celery, and bell pepper; continue to sauté for an additional 5 minutes until all vegetables are softened.

      Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetable mixture to a slow cooker. Add the prepared chickpeas, diced tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, tomato paste, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, dried thyme, bay leaf, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly.

        Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chickpeas are tender and the stew has thickened. If possible, stir occasionally to help blend the flavors.

          Add Greens: About 30 minutes before you plan to serve the stew, add the fresh spinach (or chopped kale) to the slow cooker. Stir gently until the greens have wilted.

            Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices as needed. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving.

              Serve: Ladle the warm, hearty stew into bowls, and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, zesty touch.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 8 hours | 6-8 servings