Healthy Crockpot Moroccan Chickpea Stew

Name: Healthy Crockpot Moroccan Chickpea Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 can diced tomatoes; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 large onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large carrot, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon turmeric; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

As a busy person, I truly appreciate meals that can be made ahead of time with minimal effort. This Healthy Crockpot Moroccan Chickpea Stew is one of my favorites because it’s packed with flavor and nutrients without requiring constant attention. I love how the combination of spices and hearty vegetables fills the house with a warming aroma, making dinner something to look forward to. Plus, I can easily customize it based on what I have on hand, making it a versatile and satisfying dish for anyone!

Created by

Poppy Walsh

Last updated on 2026-01-14T00:40:13.312Z

When I first made this stew, I was honestly surprised by how simple it was to prepare. I tossed the chickpeas, vegetables, and spices into the crockpot in the morning, and by dinner, I had a deeply flavorful dish that felt luxurious. The key to its richness? Letting the flavors meld together over those slow cooking hours made all the difference!

One tip I've learned is to sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the crockpot. This step enhances their sweetness and depth of flavor, making the stew even more delicious. It’s that simple tweak that can elevate a good dish into a great one.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Packed with protein and fiber from chickpeas and vegetables
Exotic Moroccan spices create a unique and flavorful experience
Convenient one-pot meal that requires minimal prep

      

Ingredients Matter

Each ingredient in this Healthy Crockpot Moroccan Chickpea Stew plays a vital role in developing its rich flavor profile. The chickpeas not only provide a hearty source of protein and fiber but also absorb the spices beautifully during cooking, enhancing their taste. Fresh vegetables like bell pepper and zucchini contribute sweetness and texture, balancing the aromatic spices and creating a hearty meal without the need for meat.

Using canned diced tomatoes is a convenient choice that adds acidity and depth to the stew. If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can substitute them in; just chop them and add about five to six medium tomatoes, adjusting the liquid content slightly. This flexibility allows you to tailor the recipe based on what's in your pantry.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the onions and garlic in olive oil before adding them to the crockpot develops a deeper flavor base. Aim for the onions to become translucent and lightly golden; this typically takes about 5-7 minutes over medium heat. This step enhances the overall aroma of the stew and ensures that the foundational flavors are well-established before the slow cooking begins.

When combining the ingredients in the crockpot, it's essential to stir them well. This ensures even distribution of spices and flavors, allowing all components to harmonize beautifully during cooking. If you're short on time, you can skip the sautéing step and add the raw onions and garlic directly to the crockpot, but keep in mind that the flavors might not be as pronounced.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large carrot, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Make sure all your ingredients are fresh to enhance the flavor!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your stew:

Prep the Ingredients

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.

Combine Ingredients

Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the crockpot. Add chickpeas, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.

Serve

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, and enjoy your healthy stew!

Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste!

Pro Tips

You can add kale or spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra greens. Also, serve with some whole grain bread for a complete meal.

Make-Ahead Tips

This stew is an excellent make-ahead option! You can prepare all the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Just transfer everything to the crockpot in the morning, set it to cook, and come home to a warm, delicious meal ready to serve. If you opt to cook on low, it can slowly simmer for up to 8 hours, which is perfect for busy days.

If you plan to freeze leftovers, allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. Adding a splash of vegetable broth can help regain the stew's creamy consistency after freezing.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate this stew, consider serving it with warm crusty bread or a side of fluffy couscous. The carbs complement the hearty stew, making for a satisfying meal. You can sprinkle additional fresh cilantro or a dash of lemon juice on top just before serving for an extra burst of flavor. I often add a dollop of yogurt for creaminess, which contrasts well with the spices.

For a twist, try adding a handful of greens, like spinach or kale, in the last 10 minutes of cooking. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds a lovely color and freshness to your dish. You can also adjust the spice levels according to your preference; if you like heat, consider tossing in a pinch of cayenne or some crushed red pepper flakes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well! Store it in an airtight container and it will last up to 3 months.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to increase the heat.

→ Can I add meat to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken or lamb would pair well; just adjust cooking times accordingly.

→ What can I serve with the stew?

It's delicious on its own, but you can pair it with couscous, quinoa, or a simple green salad.