Spicy Chickpea Curry: 5 Simple Steps to a Flavorful Moroccan Stew

Introduction

This Spicy Chickpea Curry is a hearty, flavorful dish inspired by the warm spices of Moroccan cuisine. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, vibrant spinach, and a fragrant blend of spices, this stew is not only delicious but also highly nutritious.

It’s a great vegetarian option that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a crowd-pleasing dish, this Moroccan-inspired curry will hit the spot!

Ingredients (Serves 4 people)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

1 cinnamon stick

1 (400g) can of diced tomatoes

1 (400g) can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

200g fresh spinach leaves

400ml vegetable broth

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Méthode de préparation

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.

Add the Spices:

Add cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Stir well, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aroma.

Add Tomatoes and Broth:

Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Add the cinnamon stick and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Add Chickpeas:

Stir in the chickpeas, and let the stew simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Add Spinach:

Once the chickpeas have softened slightly, add the fresh spinach to the pot. Stir until the spinach wilts and is evenly distributed throughout the stew.

Season and Serve:

Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lemon wedges for a bright, tangy finish.

Time Required

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

For more Moroccan-inspired dishes, check out our recipe for Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons.

Servings

This recipe serves 4 people and is perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week.

Additional Tips

If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the chickpeas with the back of a spoon to create a creamier texture.
For added richness, stir in a spoonful of coconut cream or yogurt before serving.
This dish pairs wonderfully with couscous, rice, or warm flatbread.

Conclusion

This Spicy Chickpea and Spinach Curry (Moroccan Chickpea Stew) is a delicious, plant-based meal that’s full of flavor and warmth. With the rich combination of spices, tender chickpeas, and fresh spinach, this dish is a perfect balance of health and taste. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking for a satisfying, easy-to-make stew, this recipe is a fantastic option for a wholesome meal. Enjoy!