Healthy Crockpot Lemon Chickpea Stew

Name: Healthy Crockpot Lemon Chickpea Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 carrots, diced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups spinach or kale, added at the end

Highlighted under: Simple Kitchen

I love making hearty meals that come together effortlessly, and this Healthy Crockpot Lemon Chickpea Stew is a perfect example. With a blend of vibrant vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and a zesty lemon finish, it's not only refreshing but also warming on those chilly days. Preparing this stew in a crockpot means it slowly develops rich flavors while I go about my day. In just a few simple steps, you can have a nutritious, flavor-packed meal waiting for you at dinner time.

Created by

Vanessa Whitlock

Last updated on 2026-01-14T01:37:34.779Z

One of the best parts about cooking with a crockpot is that you can experiment without much risk. I remember the first time I decided to throw together a stew with chickpeas—it turned out to be a delightful surprise! The lemon adds a burst of freshness that brightens the hearty ingredients, making it an instant family favorite.

To ensure the chickpeas are perfectly tender, I let everything simmer for a solid four hours. Not only did this help develop the flavors beautifully, but it also allowed me to multitask and enjoy my day. I highly recommend serving this stew with a warm crusty bread for a complete meal.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich lemon flavor that brightens the palate
Nutrient-dense ingredients that keep you satisfied
Effortless preparation with minimal cleanup

      

Cooking with Chickpeas

Chickpeas serve as the heart of this stew, bringing protein and fiber while contributing to its hearty texture. When using canned chickpeas, make sure to thoroughly drain and rinse them—this helps reduce the sodium content and improves their flavor. If you prefer a creamier consistency, consider using an immersion blender to partially puree the stew after cooking, ensuring you maintain some whole chickpeas for that satisfying bite.

For those looking to enhance the nutty flavor of the chickpeas, toasting them in a pan for a few minutes before adding them to the crockpot can elevate the dish. However, this step is optional; the slow-cooking process will still develop their flavors beautifully. If you decide to start with dried chickpeas instead, remember to soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they will require more than the typical four hours on low.

Flavor Development with Spices

The spices, particularly cumin and paprika, play a crucial role in layering flavors in this stew. Cumin offers earthy warmth, while paprika adds a subtle sweetness and depth. You can experiment with smoked paprika for added complexity or even a pinch of cayenne if you enjoy a bit of heat. Make sure to mix these spices into the vegetable broth thoroughly to maximize their impact; a visual cue is when the broth takes on a slight reddish hue from the paprika.

In addition to the spices used, consider adding a bay leaf during the initial cooking phase. Just be sure to remove it before serving, as its strong flavor can overwhelm the stew if left in too long. This small adjustment will add an extra layer of richness that complements the lemon beautifully.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

This Healthy Crockpot Lemon Chickpea Stew is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Pair it with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth, or serve it over cooked quinoa or brown rice for a more filling meal. If you want to add some creaminess, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese on top can enhance the dish while providing a delightful tang that pairs well with the lemon.

Storing leftovers is easy; simply transfer cooled stew to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days. If you plan to freeze it, let it cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers, where it can last for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed to return its consistency.

Ingredients

Gather your fresh ingredients for a wholesome stew, ready to nourish both body and soul.

Ingredients

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 carrots, diced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups spinach or kale, added at the end

Feel free to customize the veggies based on what you have at home!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a delightful stew that will fill your kitchen with delicious aromas.

Combine Ingredients

In your crockpot, add the chickpeas, carrots, bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth and sprinkle the cumin and paprika over the top. Mix well.

Cook on Low

Set your crockpot on low and let it cook for about 4 hours, allowing all the flavors to meld.

Add Greens and Lemon

In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the spinach (or kale) and the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve Warm

Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or over quinoa for a nutritious meal.

This stew is perfect for meal prepping and is even better the next day!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you find yourself without chickpeas, kidney beans or lentils can serve as great alternatives. While they change the stew's character slightly, they still provide essential proteins and work well with the flavor profile. For a gluten-free option, ensure any bread sides or grains are certified gluten-free, as many varieties may contain gluten.

When it comes to vegetables, feel free to customize based on what's in season or what you have on hand. Zucchini, sweet potatoes, or even diced tomatoes would blend seamlessly into this stew. Just be mindful to adjust cooking times slightly if you're using vegetables that cook faster or slower than the listed ingredients.

Enhancing the Stew's Texture

To achieve a thicker stew, consider using less vegetable broth or adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This can help achieve a velvety texture without compromising flavor. Alternatively, you can mash some of the chickpeas against the side of the crockpot for a heartier consistency.

For added crunch and texture, topping the finished dish with toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds can provide a delightful contrast to the soft vegetables and chickpeas. Just toast them briefly in a dry skillet to bring out their flavor, and sprinkle them on right before serving.

Meal Pairing Ideas

Pairing this stew with a vibrant salad can enhance the overall meal experience. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette would complement the stew's flavors beautifully while adding a fresh element. You could also consider serving it with a side of garlic bread to round out the meal, perfect for soaking up any remaining broth.

For a complete nutritional profile, think about adding grilled or roasted vegetables as a side dish. Roasted broccoli or asparagus lightly seasoned with olive oil and lemon can be a wonderful addition, both in flavor and health benefits, while harmonizing with the stew's zucchini and chickpeas.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but you will need to soak and cook them beforehand, as they take longer to become tender.

→ Can I store leftovers?

Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

→ Is this stew suitable for vegans?

Yes, all the ingredients are plant-based.

→ Can I freeze this stew?

Yes, it freezes well! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.