Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Stew

Name: Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 can of diced tomatoes; 1 large onion, diced; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 3 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups spinach, chopped

Highlighted under: Simple Recipes

As a busy person who still wants to enjoy wholesome meals, I love the convenience of this Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Stew. It’s packed with nutritious ingredients and requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for my hectic schedule. The combination of spices and hearty vegetables creates an enticing aroma that fills my kitchen. I often make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week, and it’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. This stew is not only healthy but also satisfying, ideal for those seeking a nourishing meal.

Created by

Kitty Lawrence

Last updated on 2026-01-13T02:09:35.461Z

I remember the first time I made this Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Stew—it was a chilly evening, and the thought of a warm, filling meal was comforting. As I chopped the vegetables, the aroma of garlic and cumin filled my kitchen, instantly boosting my mood. Slowly cooking the stew allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and there's something truly satisfying about knowing that such a healthy meal is simmering away while I attend to other tasks.

This recipe has become a staple in my house not just for its taste, but for its nutrition. Full of fiber and protein from the chickpeas and packed with vitamins from the veggies, it’s a great way to fuel my busy days. I’ve also learned that letting it cook longer gives it a richer flavor, so I often start it early in the morning and let it do its magic throughout the day.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Nutritious and filling, perfect for meal prep
Rich flavors that develop beautifully over long cooking times
Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables

      

Meal Prep Efficiency

One of the best aspects of this Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Stew is its meal prep capability. I often make a double batch on the weekends, allowing me to have nutritious lunches ready to grab throughout the week. Once the stew cools, portion it into airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to five days. You can even freeze individual servings, which makes busy days much easier—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

When freezing, I recommend leaving out the spinach until you reheat the stew. Adding it fresh during the final minutes of cooking enhances its vibrant color and nutritional benefits, giving the stew a fresh taste that contrasts beautifully with the deep flavors developed during long cooking times.

Flavor Enhancements

The spices in this stew play a crucial role in building its rich flavor profile. Ground cumin brings a warm earthiness that complements the sweetness of the carrots and bell pepper, while smoked paprika adds depth and a hint of smokiness. For an extra punch, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mix if you enjoy a bit of heat. Alternatively, if you prefer milder flavors, you can omit the smoked paprika altogether and substitute with a touch of turmeric for a different dimension.

Another way to elevate the stew is to add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley just before serving. Not only do these herbs contribute a fresh, zesty flavor, but they also add a beautiful pop of color, making each bowl visually appealing. Don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs and spices based on what you have on hand; personalizing your stew is part of the fun.

Ingredients

Gather these wholesome ingredients for your stew.

Ingredients

2 cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 red bell pepper, diced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups spinach, chopped

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best taste!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your stew.

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and prepping all vegetables. It’s best to have everything ready to make the cooking process smooth.

Combine in the Crockpot

In your crockpot, add the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bell pepper, and vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the ground cumin and smoked paprika.

Cook Slowly

Set your crockpot to low and cook for approximately 8 hours or on high for about 4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.

Add Spinach

In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This adds a burst of color and nutrients.

Serve

Once cooked, give your stew a good stir and serve hot. Enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Let the delicious aroma guide you to the table!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables or spices to make this stew your own. Also, if you have leftovers, they store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Ingredient Substitutions

While the recipe calls for chickpeas as the main protein, you can easily substitute them with other legumes such as lentils or white beans. If using lentils, reduce the cooking time to about four hours on low, as they cook faster than chickpeas. This flexibility allows you to cater to dietary preferences or what you have available at home.

Additionally, feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables based on availability. Zucchini, sweet potatoes, or even kale can diversify the flavor and texture of your stew. Just remember that harder vegetables like sweet potatoes may require longer cooking times, so adjust accordingly.

Optimal Cooking Techniques

When layering ingredients in your crockpot, consider adding denser vegetables like carrots and celery at the bottom, where they will cook more evenly. This arrangement ensures they become tender by the time the chickpeas are cooked through. On the other hand, delicate ingredients like spinach should be added near the end to retain their vibrant color and nutritional value.

If you notice the stew is too thick towards the end of cooking, you can easily fix this by adding a bit more vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency. A good stew should be hearty but not overly thick, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while still being easy to ladle.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the leftover stew?

Absolutely! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ What if I don’t have a crockpot?

You can make this stew on the stovetop! Just simmer on low heat for about 1-2 hours until the veggies are tender.

→ Can I add meat to this stew?

Yes! You can add cooked chicken or sausage for additional protein. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave.