Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Stew

Name: Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 can diced tomatoes; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 cup kale, chopped; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Easy Healthy Meals Favorites

I love preparing this Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Stew because it’s not only packed with flavor but also incredibly nutritious. The combination of spices and vegetables creates a comforting harmony that warms you up. I appreciate how easy it is to throw everything into the crockpot, allowing the slow cooking process to deepen the flavors. Plus, this stew makes a hearty meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. It's my go-to recipe for a wholesome and satisfying dish!

Created by

June Weatherby

Last updated on 2026-01-11T20:07:35.979Z

When I first discovered this Healthy Crockpot Chickpea Stew, I was looking for a simple yet flavorful meal that would keep well throughout the week. The blend of chickpeas, tomatoes, and kale makes it not just delicious but also nutritious. I found that letting it simmer for several hours brings out a richer taste that you won't achieve with quicker cooking methods.

To enhance the stew, I like to add a splash of lemon juice just before serving. It brightens the flavors and gives it a fresh finish that elevates the dish. This tip has transformed my stew from good to great, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and filling, perfect for any meal
Packed with protein and fiber from chickpeas
Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup

Ingredient Benefits

The chickpeas in this stew not only provide a hearty texture but also serve as a great source of protein and fiber, making it an ideal option for a filling meal. They help in keeping you full for longer and are excellent for digestive health. When selecting your chickpeas, consider using dried ones for a fresher taste—just soak them overnight and adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Kale brings a nutritional power-up to this dish, packed with vitamins A, C, and K. It becomes tender and flavorful when added towards the end of the cooking process, ensuring it retains its vibrant color and nutrients. If kale isn't your favorite, feel free to substitute with spinach or Swiss chard, both of which will work beautifully and provide different flavor profiles.

Cooking Tips

When combining your ingredients in the crockpot, ensure that your diced tomatoes are well-mixed with the vegetable broth. This will help in developing a rich broth that permeates all the vegetables as they cook. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can reduce the amount of broth by half—just keep an eye on the consistency and adjust as needed.

Monitoring the cooking time is crucial. If using the high setting, check at the 2-hour mark; the vegetables should be fork-tender but not mushy. If you notice the vegetables are overcooking, turning the heat to low for the remainder of the cooking time can help prevent them from breaking down too much.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started:

Main Ingredients

2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 cup kale, chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have fresh herbs on hand for garnish!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your stew:

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing all your vegetables: dice the onion, mince the garlic, slice the carrots, and chop the celery and kale. This will ensure everything cooks evenly in the crockpot.

Combine in the Crockpot

In your crockpot, combine the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Cook the Stew

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 5 hours or on high for about 2.5 hours until the vegetables are tender.

Add the Kale

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the chopped kale to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir and let it finish cooking.

Serve warm and enjoy your nutritious meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try serving with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. You can also substitute any vegetables based on what you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

This chickpea stew is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a side of quinoa for added texture and nutrition. Drizzle a bit of olive oil and sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

For a heartier meal, consider adding some cooked grain like farro or barley directly into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This addition will not only enhance the stew's texture but also increase the fiber and protein content, making it even more satisfying.

Storage and Reheating

This stew is perfect for meal prepping! Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may want to add a splash of vegetable broth to maintain its desired consistency.

For longer storage, this chickpea stew freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it can last for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This makes it not only a nutritious option for busy days but also a great make-ahead meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when cooking for an extra kick!

→ Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just soak and cook the dried chickpeas beforehand according to package instructions.

→ What can I serve with this stew?

This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or a simple green salad.