Creamy Chickpea Stew

A hearty and comforting stew made with CEREN Canned Chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and warming spices. Perfect for a wholesome vegetarian main dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups CEREN Canned Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped (or 1 cup canned tomatoes)
• 2 tablespoons CEREN Tomato Paste
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 3 cups hot vegetable broth or water
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the vegetables: Incorporate diced carrots and red bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Enrich with tomato paste: Stir in CEREN Tomato Paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Then add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 3–4 minutes until they break down into a sauce.

Add chickpeas and spices: Mix in the CEREN Canned Chickpeas, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir well so the chickpeas are coated with the aromatic base.

Simmer the stew: Pour in the hot vegetable broth (or water). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stew thickens and flavors meld together.

Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve hot with rice, bulgur pilaf, or warm flatbread.