Name: Chickpea & Saffron Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 generous pinch saffron threads; 2 tablespoons warm water; 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, 15 oz / 425 g, drained and rinsed); 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz / 400 g); 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon sugar (optional); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Description

Chickpea & Saffron Stew is a richly aromatic, golden-hued dish featuring tender chickpeas simmered in a saffron-infused tomato broth with warm spices. Wholesome, comforting, and perfect for plant-based meals.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
1 generous pinch saffron threads
2 tablespoons warm water
2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, 15 oz / 425 g, drained and rinsed)
1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz / 400 g)
2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

Place the saffron threads in a small bowl with warm water and let steep for 5–10 minutes.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Add crushed tomatoes, chickpeas, vegetable broth, and the saffron with its liquid.
Season with salt, pepper, and optional sugar. Stir to combine.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in lemon juice and fresh herbs before serving. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Notes

Add vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Substitute chickpeas with white beans for a creamier version.
Enhance with chili flakes for a touch of heat.
Great for meal prep and freezes well for up to 2 months.
Tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 320
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 0mg