Creamy Harissa Chickpea Stew

A Flavorful Adventure in Your Kitchen!

Are you in search of something warm, comforting, and utterly delicious? Well, look no further than this Creamy Harissa Chickpea Stew! Picture this: a rich, creamy base infused with the vibrant, smoky flavors of harissa, perfectly mingling with hearty chickpeas and aromatic spices. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a flavorful adventure you can embark on right from your kitchen!

Did you know that harissa, a staple in North African cuisine, has been used for centuries? This versatile spice blend brings a kick that transforms ordinary ingredients into something spectacular. The beauty of the Creamy Harissa Chickpea Stew lies in its simplicity—it takes just 30 minutes to prepare and can easily be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re serving it to family or friends, this dish is bound to become a favorite.

If you’re a fan of cozy, satisfying meals, you’ll also love the warm comfort of my Butternut Squash Soup. Each recipe shares that home-cooked love we all crave, and once you try this Creamy Harissa Chickpea Stew, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. So let’s dive in, shall we?

What is Creamy Harissa Chickpea Stew?

So, what’s in a name? The Creamy Harissa Chickpea Stew is exactly what it sounds like: a luscious stew with chickpeas as the main star and harissa adding a touch of pizazz! You might wonder, why “creamy”? Well, that’s because it gets its delightful creaminess from coconut milk. And who doesn’t love a dish that combines creaminess and that hint of spice, right?

Fun fact: Chickpeas are quite the multitaskers in the culinary world. Not only are they the main ingredient in falafel, but they’re also being used in smoothies and desserts nowadays! It’s like the saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but here, it’s about winning your own heart through a simple bowl of stew. Ready to fill your home with warmth and joy? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Harissa Chickpea Stew

The Creamy Harissa Chickpea Stew is not just about flavor—it’s an experience! Here are three delectable reasons why you’ll fall in love with this dish:

1. Flavor Explosion: The combination of harissa, creamy coconut milk, and spices creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. Trust me; every bite feels like a warm hug!
2. Budget-Friendly: Making this stew at home is cost-effective. You can whip up a large pot for just a fraction of what you’d pay at a restaurant. Plus, chickpeas are affordable and incredibly nutritious.
3. Customizable Goodness: Feel free to get creative! Toss in your favorite veggies or switch up the toppings. Top it off with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lemon for an extra zing!

If you love hearty meals, you might also want to check out the Vegetable Curry on my blog. Like the stew, it’s all about bringing flavors together and can satisfy even the most discerning palate. Shall we jump into the cooking process?

How to Make Creamy Harissa Chickpea Stew

Quick Overview

Making this stew is super easy and incredibly satisfying. With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and cooking time of about 20 minutes, you’ll have a robust dish ready for dinner in no time. The best part? You’ll be left with a creamy texture that coats each chickpea perfectly.

Key Ingredients for Creamy Harissa Chickpea Stew

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:

• 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon of harissa paste (adjust according to spice preference)
• 1 can (13.5 oz) of coconut milk
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Spice it Up: Stir in the harissa, cumin, and paprika. Let the spices bloom for about a minute to fully release their flavors.
3. The Star (Chickpeas): Add in the chickpeas along with the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer Time: Bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Season to Perfection: Taste the stew and season with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once your stew is bubbly and aromatic, remove it from heat. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and enjoy!

What to Serve Creamy Harissa Chickpea Stew With

This delectable stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it alongside a refreshing cucumber salad or warm naan for an authentic touch.

Don’t forget a lovely glass of sparkling water or herbal tea to cleanse your palate between bites!

Top Tips for Perfecting Creamy Harissa Chickpea Stew

• Balance the Spice: If you’re concerned about heat, start with a smaller amount of harissa, and gradually add more to meet your taste.
• Veggie Variations: Feel free to add spinach, kale, or any seasonal vegetables. They not only boost nutrition but also add vibrant colors!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for a month. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat or pop it in the microwave until heated through.

Incorporate the Creamy Harissa Chickpea Stew into your weeknight rotation, and savor every bite! Whether you’re cooking for family or just for yourself, this dish is sure to inspire you! Enjoy and let me know how it turns out!

Creamy Harissa Chickpea Stew

A warm and flavorful stew featuring creamy coconut milk, hearty chickpeas, and vibrant harissa spices, perfect for a comforting meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: North African, Vegan

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon harissa paste adjust according to spice preference
• 1 can coconut milk (13.5 oz)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Method

 

Cooking Steps

1. In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
2. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the harissa, cumin, and paprika. Let the spices bloom for about a minute to fully release their flavors.
4. Add in the chickpeas along with the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Taste the stew and season with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Once your stew is bubbly and aromatic, remove it from heat. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, balance the spice level by starting with less harissa and adding more to taste. You can customize with seasonal vegetables like spinach or kale. Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or frozen for a month.