When the hustle and bustle of life starts to wear me down, I crave the comforting embrace of a warm, hearty stew. That’s exactly where this Herb and Chickpea Stew with Rice comes in—it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl. The vivid green of the spinach, punctuated by the vibrant herbs, dances invitingly in the pot, promising a dish that’s as nourishing for the soul as it is for the body.
I first whipped this up on a chilly evening when all I had were a few basic pantry staples and a longing for something fresh yet filling. With its fragrant medley of garlic, turmeric, and lemon zest, this stew doesn’t just feed you; it transports you to a sun-soaked market overflowing with spices and greens. The best part? It’s a breeze to prepare, allowing you to savor every mouthful without the fuss. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply enjoying a quiet night in, this stew pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser that ticks all the boxes. Let’s dive into this warm, delightful recipe together!
Why is Herb and Chickpea Stew with Rice a Must-Try?
Comforting and Hearty: This stew offers a warm embrace on chilly nights, making it the perfect comfort food for everyone.
Vibrant Flavors: A delightful mix of garlic, lemon zest, and fresh herbs brings your taste buds to life.
Quick Preparation: Whip it up in no time, even on your busiest days—perfect for anyone bored of fast food!
Nutrient-Rich: Packed with chickpeas and spinach, it nourishes your body without sacrificing taste.
Versatile Serving: Enjoy it with fluffy basmati rice or on its own; it’s a dish that adapts to your cravings!
For a little extra inspiration, check out my simple topping ideas to elevate your meal even more!
Herb and Chickpea Stew with Rice Ingredients
For the Stew
• Extra virgin olive oil – Key for sautéing and adds depth to the flavor.
• Yellow onion – Provides a sweet base flavor when cooked.
• Chickpeas – The star of the dish, offering protein and creaminess.
• Kosher salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning your stew to perfection.
• Garlic – Adds a fragrant aroma and tangy taste.
• Ground turmeric – Infuses warm color and an earthy flavor into the stew.
• Crushed red pepper flakes – Offers a hint of heat that balances the richness.
• Lemon zest – Brightens up the stew and enhances the flavor profile.
• Low sodium vegetable broth – Acts as the stew base; feel free to adjust the amount for consistency.
• Lemon juice – Adds a fresh, tangy finish to the dish.
• Baby spinach – A nutritious and vibrant green that wilts beautifully in the stew.
• Fresh cilantro – Imparts a fresh and zesty taste to your stew.
• Fresh parsley – Adds a bright, herbaceous note that lightens the dish.
• Fresh dill – Provides a distinctive flavor that complements the chickpeas wonderfully.
• Chopped chives – Adds a subtle onion flavor and a pop of color.
For the Rice
• Basmati rice – Fluffy and fragrant, perfect for absorbing the stew’s flavors.
For Serving
• Plain Greek yogurt – Adds creaminess and a cooling effect to balance the spices.
• Fresh mint – A lovely garnish that elevates both flavor and presentation.
This Herb and Chickpea Stew with Rice is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, creating a truly comforting dish you’re sure to love!
How to Make Herb and Chickpea Stew with Rice
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Heat Oil
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until it softens. -
Add Chickpeas
Toss in the drained chickpeas, seasoning lightly with kosher salt and pepper. Stir occasionally for 5 minutes until the chickpeas get a hint of crispness—this adds lovely texture. -
Incorporate Aromatics
Add the minced garlic, ground turmeric, crushed red pepper flakes, and lemon zest. Cook for another minute, enjoying the fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen. -
Reserve Chickpeas
Carefully scoop out 1 cup of the cooked chickpeas and set them aside for topping if you desire a robust garnish later. -
Mix Broth
Pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth and the lemon juice, seasoning again with salt. Bring everything to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, simmering. -
Add Greens
Stir in the baby spinach, fresh cilantro, parsley, dill, and chives. Let the stew simmer for 10-15 minutes until the spinach is wilted and vibrant, adjusting the salt and pepper as needed. -
Adjust Consistency
If you prefer a thinner stew, gradually add the reserved broth, stirring until you reach your desired consistency. -
Serve Warm
To present your dish, equally divide the fluffy basmati rice among bowls and ladle the nourishing stew over the top. For a finishing touch, sprinkle with reserved chickpeas, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and fresh mint.
Optional: For added flavor, drizzle with a little extra lemon juice before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Herb and Chickpea Stew with Rice components are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the stew up to 3 days in advance. Simply make the stew as directed, allowing it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it, and when you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat the stew on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Remember to cook the basmati rice fresh before serving for the best texture—this can be done while the stew warms. By prepping ahead, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal ready in minutes, without sacrificing any of that comforting flavor!
Expert Tips for Herb and Chickpea Stew with Rice
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Perfectly Seasoned: Always taste your stew as it simmers. Adding more salt and pepper at the end can enhance those vibrant flavors.
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Crisp Chickpeas: Ensure you sauté the chickpeas until slightly crispy before adding the broth; this adds an appealing texture to the dish.
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Fresh Herbs: Use a mix of fresh herbs as suggested for a depth of flavor. Dried herbs won’t impart the same bright notes in your Herb and Chickpea Stew with Rice.
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Adjust Consistency: If you like a thicker stew, reduce the broth to 2 cups at first. You can always add more if it gets too thick.
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Creative Leftovers: This stew keeps well in the fridge. Serve it over quinoa or with crusty bread the next day for a delightful refresh.
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Garnish Wisely: Don’t skip the Greek yogurt and mint on top! They provide a necessary cooling contrast to the warmth of the spices.
Storage Tips for Herb and Chickpea Stew with Rice
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully as it sits!
Freezer: Freeze the stew in individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat the stew on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth if it appears too thick. Serve over freshly cooked basmati rice for a complete meal!
Herb and Chickpea Stew with Rice Variations
Feel free to make this stew your own with these delightful twists that will surprise and satisfy your taste buds.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute basmati rice with quinoa or millet for a gluten-free alternative that’s equally hearty.
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Spicy Kick: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños for a fiery punch that excites the palate.
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Creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk for a luscious, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the spices.
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Extra Veggies: Toss in diced carrots or zucchini along with the spinach for added nutrition and vibrant color in your stew.
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Lemon Lovers: Amp up the lemon flavor by adding extra zest and juice right before serving for a fresh burst!
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Herb Swaps: Explore different herbs like basil or oregano if you prefer different flavor profiles; they can create a whole new experience!
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Protein Boost: Replace some chickpeas with diced chicken or tempeh for a protein-packed variation that keeps you feeling full longer.
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Heartier Base: Serve the stew over creamy mashed potatoes instead of rice for a unique comfort food experience that’s oh-so-satisfying.
Each variation adds its own charm, allowing you to explore new tastes while enjoying this soul-soothing stew!
What to Serve with Herb and Chickpea Stew with Rice?
Imagine the comforting scent of herbs and spices wafting through your kitchen as you prepare a luscious meal.
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Fluffy Naan: This soft bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich flavors of your stew. Warm it up and serve alongside for an authentic experience.
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of caramelized carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini adds a sweet, crunchy contrast to the stew’s creamy texture. The roasting enhances the natural sweetness that pairs exceptionally well.
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Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette will add brightness to your meal. The crispness is refreshing amidst the heartiness of the stew.
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Coconut Rice: Swap your basmati rice for fragrant coconut rice. The subtle sweetness and richness of coconut complement the warm spices beautifully, creating a tropical twist.
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Chickpea Salad: Reinforce the chickpea theme by serving a chilled chickpea salad with cucumber, red onion, and a lemony dressing. This adds a refreshing crunch that contrasts well with the warm stew.
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Mint Lemonade: A glass of mint lemonade will enhance your dining experience, cutting through the spices and refreshing your palate with a zesty uplift. This drink harmonizes beautifully with the dish’s herbs.
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Cardamom Tea: End your meal on a warm note with a soothing cup of cardamom tea, which complements the flavors of the stew while providing a cozy finish to your delicious dining experience.
Herb and Chickpea Stew with Rice Recipe FAQs
What kind of chickpeas should I use?
Absolutely! Using canned chickpeas is perfect for this dish as they save you time. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well to remove excess sodium and improve the flavor of your stew.
How should I store the leftovers?
After enjoying your Herb and Chickpea Stew with Rice, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together!
Can I freeze the stew?
Very! To freeze, let the stew cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat on the stove, adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed.
What if my stew is too thick?
No worries! If you find your stew has thickened too much while sitting, simply stir in a little additional vegetable broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Warm it gently over low heat, and you’ll have a luscious stew again in no time.
Can I make this recipe allergy-friendly?
Absolutely! If you’re gluten-sensitive, this stew is naturally gluten-free. For those with dietary restrictions, you can substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt or omit it entirely. Adjust the herbs to your preference and enjoy this nutritious meal!
How do I choose ripe spinach?
Look for fresh, vibrant baby spinach leaves that are a deep green color with no dark spots. The leaves should feel crisp and not wilted. You can store fresh spinach in the refrigerator crisper drawer in a loose bag for up to 5 days.
Herb and Chickpea Stew with Rice for Cozy Evenings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the drained chickpeas, seasoning lightly with kosher salt and pepper. Stir occasionally for 5 minutes until chickpeas are slightly crisp.
- Incorporate minced garlic, ground turmeric, crushed red pepper flakes, and lemon zest. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Reserve 1 cup of the cooked chickpeas for topping.
- Pour in vegetable broth and lemon juice, seasoning again with salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer.
- Stir in baby spinach, cilantro, parsley, dill, and chives. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes until spinach is wilted.
- Adjust consistency with reserved broth if desired.
- Serve warm by dividing rice among bowls and ladling stew over the top. Garnish with reserved chickpeas, yogurt, and mint.