Quinoa and Chickpea Stew

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Looking for a warm, hearty meal that’s both comforting and nutritious? This Quinoa and Chickpea Stew is your answer! Packed with protein and veggies, it's perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients for Quinoa and Chickpea Stew

Olive oil serves as the base for sautéing, providing a rich flavor. Onion and garlic are the aromatic foundation, bringing a savory depth. The spices—ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper—add warmth and a subtle kick. Chickpeas are the main protein source, offering a creamy texture. Quinoa not only thickens the stew but also adds a nutty flavor. Vegetable broth ties everything together with a savory backdrop, while diced tomatoes provide acidity and balance. A touch of salt and black pepper enhances all the other flavors. Spinach adds freshness and color, and a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish just before serving. Optionally, fresh cilantro can be added for garnish and an extra pop of flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • Rinse your quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural bitterness.
  • Use a high-quality vegetable broth for the best flavor.
  • If you like more heat, increase the cayenne pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions

This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm pita for dipping. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand, which will add to the prep time.
Is there an alternative to spinach?
Kale or Swiss chard works well if you prefer a heartier green.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This stew freezes well. Just thaw and reheat on the stove or microwave when ready to enjoy.

Quinoa and Chickpea Stew Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chopped onion. Let it sauté, stirring occasionally, until it turns translucent—this should take about five minutes. Follow with the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir these aromatics for another minute, allowing their flavors to bloom.

Add the chickpeas and quinoa to the pot, mixing them in well. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, then season with salt and black pepper. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the quinoa is cooked through.

Uncover the pot and stir in the spinach and lemon juice. Cook just until the spinach wilts, which should only take a couple of minutes. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot, with some fresh cilantro if you like.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make – ready in about 30 minutes.
  • Loaded with plant-based protein from quinoa and chickpeas.
  • A perfect blend of spices that adds warmth and depth.
  • Versatile enough to enjoy year-round.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, cooking for another minute.
4. Add the chickpeas, quinoa, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until quinoa is cooked.
6. Stir in the spinach and lemon juice, cooking until the spinach wilts.
7. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if using.

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