Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the warm, aromatic spices of Morocco, where every bite tells a story of culinary adventure. This Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea and Vegetable Stew is not just a meal—it's a journey that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular feast that will make your family beg for seconds. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe proves that incredible cuisine can be both easy and incredibly delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Moroccan
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping onions, mincing garlic, dicing carrots and bell peppers, and draining chickpeas.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker, adding diced carrots, bell peppers, and chickpeas.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, ensuring all vegetables are well-covered.
- Add ground cumin, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir ingredients thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
- Cover slow cooker and set to low heat setting. Cook for 7-8 hours, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to become tender.
- After cooking time is complete, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot in bowls, garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro just before serving.
- Optional: Serve over couscous or with warm crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Spice Secrets: Toast your cumin and cinnamon in a dry pan for 30-60 seconds before adding to the slow cooker to enhance their depth and complexity.
- Vegetable Prep Matters: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stew.
- Liquid Levels: Don't be afraid to adjust vegetable broth slightly if the stew looks too thick or thin during cooking.
- Flavor Boosters: For an extra layer of richness, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste or a splash of lemon juice at the end of cooking.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop and intensify overnight.
- Garnish Game: Fresh cilantro is great, but also experiment with chopped parsley, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for added texture and flavor.
- Storage Tip: This stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it a perfect meal-prep option for busy weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
