Healthy Crockpot Moroccan Chickpea Stew

Name: Healthy Crockpot Moroccan Chickpea Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups fresh spinach

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love experimenting with flavors from around the globe, and this Healthy Crockpot Moroccan Chickpea Stew has become a family favorite. With its fragrant spices, tender chickpeas, and a medley of vegetables, this stew is both nutritious and satisfying. Not only does it come together effortlessly in a slow cooker, but it also fills the house with an irresistible aroma. Serving this dish over quinoa or rice makes for a wholesome meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner, and it's great for meal prep, too!

Created by

Chelsea Payne

Last updated on 2026-01-14T01:40:13.569Z

When I first made this stew, I was pleasantly surprised by how rich and complex the flavors turned out, thanks to the combination of spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. I decided to add spinach at the end for a pop of color and nutrition, making this dish even more vibrant and enjoyable.

Cooking it in the crockpot allows the ingredients to meld beautifully over time, enhancing the overall taste. Remember, if you want a thicker stew, just puree a portion of the chickpeas and stir them back in before serving. It creates a delicious creaminess that you won’t want to miss!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Deliciously spiced with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
Nutritious and plant-based, making it ideal for any diet
Effortless preparation with minimal cleanup; just set it and forget it!

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The combination of spices in this Moroccan Chickpea Stew is what truly sets it apart. Ground cumin and coriander lend robust earthy notes, while cinnamon adds a subtle sweetness. The optional cayenne pepper introduces a delightful heat that you can adjust according to your taste. If you're sensitive to spice, feel free to omit the cayenne or reduce it for a gentler flavor profile.

Choosing quality canned chickpeas can greatly affect the texture of your stew. I recommend brands that use a BPA-free can lining for a healthier option. Alternatively, if you prefer using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook them accordingly before adding them to the stew. This will enhance the flavor and create a firmer texture upon cooking.

Cooking Techniques for Optimal Flavor

When sautéing your vegetables before adding them to the crockpot, cook them over medium heat for about 5 minutes, just until they start to soften. This step can heighten the flavors through the Maillard reaction, making your stew even more aromatic and flavorful. If you're low on time, simply add all the ingredients directly to the crockpot without sautéing; the slow cooking process will still yield a delicious result.

As your stew cooks, it’s essential to give it a gentle stir about halfway through, if you’re home. This helps in evenly distributing the spices and ensuring nothing sticks to the bottom of the crockpot, which can sometimes happen. If you notice any sticking, a little extra broth can help deglaze those flavorful bits.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

This stew pairs beautifully over fluffy quinoa or steamed rice, which can absorb the rich flavors of the dish. For an added flourish, consider topping each serving with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lemon, or a dollop of yogurt to balance the spices. You can even serve it with warm pita bread for a heartier meal.

If you're prepping this dish for the week, it stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to four days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to three months. When reheating, do so over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth to maintain the stew’s original consistency.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

Chickpea Stew Ingredients

2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, sliced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, carrots, bell pepper, zucchini, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Cook in the Crockpot

Transfer the mixture to your crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

Add Spinach and Serve

About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm.

Pro Tips

For a heartier meal, serve this stew over quinoa or couscous. Feel free to add other vegetables according to your preference, such as sweet potatoes or cauliflower.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your stew ends up too watery after cooking, don’t worry! You can thicken it by cooking on high for an additional 20-30 minutes with the lid off, allowing the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mash a portion of the chickpeas against the side of the crockpot to create a creamier texture.

Conversely, if your stew is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth and stir well. This is a quick fix and can help balance the flavors back together without compromising the dish.

Variations to Consider

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on what you have available or prefer. Sweet potatoes or butternut squash can add a nice sweetness and texture to the stew. For greens, kale is another great substitute for spinach and holds up well during long cooking times.

To enhance the stew's protein content, consider adding cubed tofu or seitan for a heartier meal. Additionally, experimenting with a splash of coconut milk can bring in a richer, creamier consistency that complements the spices beautifully.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're cooking for a crowd, this recipe scales up easily. Simply double or triple the amounts of all ingredients and select a larger crockpot. Cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure to check the stew's tenderness by tasting the chickpeas and vegetables about 30 minutes before the expected cooking time.

For smaller portions, halving the ingredients can work, but ensure you're still using a crockpot that is big enough to properly heat the stew. This will ensure even cooking and prevent any sticking or burning at the bottom.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but you'll need to soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ Is this stew suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! Just store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes! You can add more cayenne pepper or even diced jalapeños for a kick.

→ What can I serve with this stew?

This stew pairs well with quinoa, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.