Healthy Crockpot Moroccan Chickpea Stew

Name: Healthy Crockpot Moroccan Chickpea Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 4 cups vegetable broth; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp turmeric; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I’m really excited to share this Healthy Crockpot Moroccan Chickpea Stew with you! This dish is not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly easy to make. I love how the slow-cooking process allows the spices—like cumin and coriander—to meld beautifully with the chickpeas and vegetables. It's a hearty, plant-based meal perfect for any night of the week, and it’s packed with nutrients. You can even prepare it ahead of time for those busy days. Let’s dive into this vibrant stew that will surely warm your soul.

Created by

Charity Bowen

Last updated on 2026-01-14T01:58:12.787Z

When I first tried making Moroccan stew, I was fascinated by the rich array of spices that defined the cuisine. I went with chickpeas as the base, making it not only hearty but also filling. The beauty of using a crockpot is how it perfectly cooks everything, allowing each ingredient to shine. Just set it, and let it do its magic!

One tip I found essential is using dried chickpeas instead of canned ones. This choice gives a better texture and allows them to absorb the stew's flavors more. The dish is perfect for meal prep, and the leftovers taste even better the next day!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Packed with aromatic spices and rich flavors
Rich in plant-based protein and fiber
Convenient one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights

      

Flavor Development

The magic of this Moroccan Chickpea Stew lies in the layering of flavors. Cooking the spices–cumin, coriander, and cinnamon–before adding the liquid helps to bloom their essential oils. If you’d like, you can sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet for a few minutes on medium heat until translucent before combining everything in the crockpot. This uses an additional pan but can enhance the depth of flavor significantly.

Incorporating the right amount of salt at various stages is key to a well-seasoned dish. Start with a small amount when combining your ingredients and adjust later after the cooking time. This will also help prevent over-salting as flavors intensify during the slow cooking process.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're fresh out of chickpeas or prefer a different legume for texture or taste, you can substitute dried lentils or canned beans. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary; lentils typically take less time to soften. If using canned beans, add them halfway through the cooking time to avoid mushiness.

Feel free to customize the vegetables in this stew according to what you have on hand. Sweet potatoes can replace carrots for a richer sweetness, or you can toss in some greens like spinach or kale in the final 30 minutes of cooking for added nutrients.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This stew stores well for up to five days in the refrigerator, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of vegetable broth if it appears too thick. It also freezes beautifully; portion out individual servings in airtight containers and you'll have a comforting meal at your fingertips for busy days.

For a complete meal, serve this stew over a bed of quinoa or couscous, which will absorb the rich sauce and provide additional texture. A dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of tahini on top before serving can add creaminess that complements the spice of the stew.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create the stew.

Ingredients

1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, diced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bring your stew to life.

Prep Your Ingredients

Start by rinsing the soaked chickpeas under cold water. Chop all your vegetables so they’re ready to add into the crockpot.

Add to Crockpot

Place the chickpeas, onion, garlic, carrots, bell pepper, zucchini, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and spices into the crockpot. Stir well to combine.

Set Cook Time

Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 4 hours or until the chickpeas are tender and the vegetables have softened.

Final Seasoning

After cooking, taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Enjoy your healthy, flavorful stew!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving. This brightens the dish and adds a refreshing contrast to the spices.

Cooking Tips

To ensure that your dried chickpeas cook evenly and become tender, soak them overnight in plenty of water. This not only reduces cooking time but also helps in achieving a creamier texture. If you forget to soak them, a quick soak method involves boiling them for about 1 hour before adding them to the crockpot.

Maintaining the right temperature is crucial for the crockpot. If you find your stew is constantly cooking faster than anticipated, consider using the 'low' setting instead of 'high.' This will give your chickpeas and vegetables the perfect amount of time to soften without overcooking.

Texture and Aroma

The slow-cooking process allows the vegetables to break down and meld with the chickpeas, creating a thick and hearty stew. You’ll know it’s done when the chickpeas are fork-tender and the consistency is thick but not too dry. A quick stir will usually show a glossy, well-combined mixture, which is the ideal texture.

As it simmers, the tantalizing aroma of spices fills your kitchen, signaling that dinner is on its way. The warmth of the cinnamon and the zest of the coriander create an inviting scent that will make your home feel cozy. Consider serving it with warm, crusty bread or over a side of grain to soak up every drop.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?

Yes, but the texture will be different. If using canned, reduce the cooking time and add them halfway through.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include vegetables like sweet potatoes, spinach, or eggplant for variety.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

→ Can I spice this up?

Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for some heat.