15-Minute Chickpea Stew with Tomatoes and Spinach

Get ready for a delicious 15 Minute Chickpea Stew! This recipe is fast, flavourful, family-friendly and a true one-pot meal. It’s vegan, gluten free and can feed four people for under £5—perfect for busy weeknights.

Chickpea stew in a large pot displayed on white background.

Recipe Difficulty – Easy

Table of Contents

  • Why this recipe works
  • Ingredients to make Chickpea stew
  • Substitutions
  • Variations
  • How to make chickpea stew
  • Leftovers
  • Recipe FAQs
  • 15 Minute Chickpea Stew Recipe

Why this recipe works

Ready in just 15 minutes, this Chickpea Stew uses simple storecupboard ingredients you may already have. The combination of sautéed vegetables, warming spices and tomatoes creates a comforting, satisfying dish that’s quick to pull together. It’s ideal for cooler evenings when you want something wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients to make Chickpea stew

Ingredients to make chickpea stew on white background.
  • Carrot – Sliced carrots add sweetness and body when cooked with the onion and celery.
  • Celery – Adds aromatics and depth to the base.
  • Garlic – Crushed or minced garlic gives gentle heat and a savory lift.
  • Onion – A red or white onion works well; it forms part of the flavourful base.
  • Chickpeas – A fibre-rich, plant protein that gives texture and substance.
  • Tamari – A gluten-free soy sauce alternative that adds umami. Regular soy sauce can be used instead.
  • Ground coriander – Sweet and citrusy, it complements the other spices.
  • Turmeric – Earthy and warming, it adds colour and depth.
  • Chilli flakes – A pinch yields subtle heat; add more if you like it spicier.
  • Paprika – Brings a mild smokiness and extra flavour.
  • Tinned tomatoes – Provide acidity and the stew’s liquid base.
  • Vegetable stock – Boosts savoury flavour; use low-salt if preferred.
  • Lime – A squeeze of lime brightens the finished stew.

See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.

Substitutions

  • Chickpeas – Swap for cannellini, butter beans or another canned bean if preferred.
  • Tamari – Use soy sauce as a direct substitute if you don’t need gluten-free options.
  • Tinned tomatoes – Fresh plum tomatoes can work; increase the stock to achieve the right consistency.
  • Lime – Lemon juice is a fine alternative for a bright finish.
  • Onion – Any variety of onion can be used depending on what you have.
  • Spices – The listed spices work well together, but if you’re missing one, the stew will still be tasty.

Variations

  • Kid-friendly – Keep the chilli flakes to a minimum or omit them entirely for children. If beans aren’t a hit with younger eaters, try a milder family curry or swap in a different protein.
  • More heat – Increase chilli flakes or top with finely chopped fresh chillies for extra spice.
  • Served up – For a heartier meal, serve the stew over brown rice or quinoa and garnish with fresh coriander and lime wedges.

How to make chickpea stew

onion, garlic, carrots and celery frying in a large pot.

Step 1: Heat a large pot with a little olive oil. Lightly fry the diced onion, crushed garlic, sliced carrots and sliced celery for 2–3 minutes until softened.

All ingredient to make chickpea stew in large pot displayed on white background.

Step 2: Add the spices—ground coriander, paprika, turmeric and a pinch of chilli flakes—then stir in the drained chickpeas, tinned tomatoes, vegetable stock, tamari (if using) and the juice of half a lime. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 7–8 minutes until the stew thickens.

Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days—flavours often deepen overnight. This stew freezes well: cool, portion into airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to two months. Thaw and reheat gently until piping hot.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use another bean instead of chickpeas?

Yes. Cannellini, butter beans or other canned beans are great substitutes and will work well in this stew.

What is tamari?

Tamari is a soy-based seasoning similar to soy sauce but typically gluten free. If you don’t have tamari, regular soy sauce is an easy replacement.

Can I freeze this stew?

Yes. Portion, cool and freeze the stew for up to two months. Defrost thoroughly and reheat over low heat until hot throughout.

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Tried this 15 Minute Chickpea Stew? Please leave a star rating and a comment to let me know how it turned out. I love hearing feedback from readers. P.S. Never miss a recipe—subscribe to the newsletter for weekly recipes and a free recipe eBook.

Chickpea stew in a large pot displayed on white background
4.42 from 24 votes

15 Minute Chickpea Stew

By: James Wythe
Quick, tasty and budget-friendly, this one-pot chickpea stew is a weeknight winner.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Equipment

  • Chopping board
  • Sharp knife
  • Large pot
  • Wooden spoon

Ingredients

  • 1 red onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 1 heaped tsp ground coriander
  • 1 heaped tsp paprika
  • 1 heaped tsp turmeric
  • Pinch of chilli flakes
  • 2 x 400g tinned chickpeas, drained
  • 1 x 400g tinned tomatoes
  • 300 ml vegetable stock
  • 1 tbsp tamari (optional)
  • Juice of ½ lime

Instructions

  1. Roughly dice the red onion, crush the garlic and slice the carrots and celery.
  2. Heat oil in a large pot and cook the prepared vegetables for 2–3 minutes until softened.
  3. Add the ground coriander, paprika, turmeric and chilli flakes, then stir in the drained chickpeas, tinned tomatoes, vegetable stock, tamari and lime juice.
  4. Bring to a medium-high simmer and cook for about 7 minutes until the stew thickens.
  5. Serve with rice or quinoa and garnish as you like.

Notes

Step-by-step photos: Refer to the post images for visual guidance.

Substitutions & variations: See the section above for ideas.

To store: Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To freeze: Cool, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Tips: Use the best quality canned chickpeas you can find and chop the vegetables to similar sizes for even cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 199 kcal | Carbs: 27 g | Protein: 11 g | Fat: 3 g | Fiber: 11 g
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