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Craving a warm, hearty meal? This Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew is the answer! Packed with rich flavors and healthy ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy days. I’ll guide you through simple steps, share essential tips, and even suggest variations to make it your own. Join me in creating this simple delight that will fill your home with delicious aromas and keep you coming back for seconds!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Spices: The blend of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon creates a warm and aromatic stew that is both comforting and exotic.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein-rich chickpeas and a variety of colorful vegetables, this stew is wholesome and satisfying.
- Effortless Cooking: Using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, making this a perfect meal for busy days.
- Customizable Heat: The cayenne pepper can be adjusted to your taste, allowing you to control the spice level to suit everyone.
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients
For a great Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew, you need these key items:
– 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 zucchini, diced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
These ingredients create a rich, hearty base. The chickpeas add protein, while the veggies bring color and flavor.
Spices and Seasonings
Spices make this dish special. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 2 teaspoons ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– Salt and pepper to taste
These spices give the stew a warm, aromatic profile. They blend well and create a cozy flavor.
Optional Garnishes
Garnishes add a fresh touch. Consider these:
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
– Lemon wedges, for serving
Cilantro adds brightness, while lemon juice enhances the dish’s flavors. Both make each bite exciting.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Vegetables
Start by gathering your veggies. You need a medium onion, three cloves of garlic, two carrots, a red bell pepper, and a zucchini. Chop the onion and carrots into small pieces. Dice the bell pepper and zucchini into bite-sized cubes. This makes the stew easy to eat. Rinse two cans of chickpeas and set them aside. You want all the veggies ready before cooking.
Sautéing for Flavor
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it turns soft and clear, about five minutes. Next, stir in three minced garlic cloves and your spices: two teaspoons of ground cumin, two teaspoons of ground coriander, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, one teaspoon of ground turmeric, and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir this mix for one minute. This step brings out all the flavors. You’ll smell the spices as they cook.
Cooking in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the sautéed onion and spice mix to the slow cooker. Add the chickpeas, diced carrots, bell pepper, zucchini, and one can of diced tomatoes. Pour in one cup of vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for six to eight hours or high heat for three to four hours. About thirty minutes before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it warm, topped with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges.
Tips & Tricks
How to Enhance Flavor
To boost the taste, use fresh herbs. Add chopped cilantro at the end. You can also toss in some lemon zest for brightness. If you want a richer stew, add a splash of balsamic vinegar. This adds depth and a bit of sweetness. Don’t forget to taste as you go. Adjust salt and spice to suit your palate.
Making it Vegetarian or Vegan
This stew is already vegetarian and can easily be made vegan. Just make sure your vegetable broth is free of animal products. You can also add a plant-based yogurt on top for creaminess. It pairs well with the spices and adds a nice touch.
Perfecting Cooking Times
Cooking time is key for a great stew. On low, it takes 6-8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting is 3-4 hours. I find it best to check the stew about 30 minutes before serving. This is when you can adjust the seasoning. Each slow cooker may cook a bit differently, so trust your instincts.
Pro Tips
- Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables the night before to save time in the morning. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum freshness.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a tablespoon of honey just before serving.
- Texture Variation: If you prefer a creamier stew, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the stew before serving, giving it a smoother consistency.
- Storage Tips: This stew keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep!
Variations
Adding Protein Options
You can make this stew heartier by adding protein. Consider adding cooked chicken or turkey for a meaty twist. Tofu also works well for a plant-based option. Just cube it and stir it in during the last hour of cooking. If you prefer seafood, shrimp can be a fun addition. Add them about 30 minutes before serving to keep them tender.
Vegetable Substitutions
Feel free to swap in different vegetables based on your taste. Sweet potatoes add a nice sweetness and texture. Cauliflower or broccoli can boost the nutrition and flavor. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces. You can also add leafy greens like spinach or kale. Stir them in during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a vibrant touch.
Spice Level Adjustments
The cayenne pepper adds a nice kick, but you can adjust it to your liking. If you want a milder stew, reduce the cayenne or leave it out. If you love heat, consider adding a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce. Always taste as you go to find the perfect balance for your palate.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
After you enjoy your Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew, you might have some leftovers. Let the stew cool down first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Store the container in the fridge. It should stay good for up to five days.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat the stew, you can use a pot on the stove. Pour the stew into the pot and heat over medium heat. Stir often to warm it evenly. You can also use the microwave. Put the stew in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely and heat for two minutes. Stir and check if it’s hot. Heat longer if needed.
Freezing the Stew
You can freeze the stew for later use. Use a freezer-safe container or a freezer bag. Leave some space at the top since liquids expand when frozen. Label the container with the date. The stew can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
How long does it take to cook?
It takes about 6 to 8 hours on low heat. If you use high heat, it takes 3 to 4 hours. Slow cooking lets the flavors mix well. You can set it up in the morning and enjoy it later.
Can I use dried chickpeas?
Yes, you can use dried chickpeas. Soak them overnight in water. After soaking, cook them for about 1 hour before adding them to the slow cooker. This helps them soften and blend into the stew.
What to serve with Moroccan chickpea stew?
This stew pairs well with rice or couscous. You can also enjoy it with crusty bread. A fresh salad or yogurt on the side adds a nice touch. Lemon wedges make it bright and tasty.
Can I make this stew in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the stew a day or two ahead. Store it in the fridge. The flavors deepen as it sits. Just reheat it before serving, and it will taste great.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. If you serve it with rice or gluten-free bread, it remains safe for those with gluten issues. Enjoy this wholesome dish without worry!
This article covered all you need for a great Moroccan chickpea stew. We explored key ingredients and optional spices that add flavor. You learned the step-by-step cooking process, plus tips for enhancing taste and making it vegan. We also discussed variations, storage, and common questions.
With these insights, you can now create your own stew. Enjoy making new meals that warm your home and heart. Dive in and enjoy the journe
Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew made with chickpeas and vegetables, perfect for a comforting meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 8 hours hrs
Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Moroccan
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal
- 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 zucchini diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- to taste salt and pepper
- to garnish fresh cilantro
- to serve lemon wedges
Begin by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, and cayenne for an additional minute until fragrant.
Place the sautéed mixture into the slow cooker. Add the chickpeas, diced carrots, bell pepper, zucchini, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir everything well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serve the stew warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to taste for desired spiciness.
Keyword chickpeas, Moroccan, slow cooker, stew, vegetarian
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