Creamy Tomato Chickpea Stew

Name: Creamy Tomato Chickpea Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 cup coconut milk; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely adore this Creamy Tomato Chickpea Stew! It's a dish that brings together wholesome ingredients in a way that’s just so comforting. The richness of the cream and the heartiness of the chickpeas create a satisfying meal that warms your soul. Within just 30 minutes, I can have this delightful stew on the table, making it a fantastic option for a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients that keep me feeling fueled and satisfied throughout the day.

Created by

Lucy Price

Last updated on 2026-01-15T13:07:22.791Z

When I first tried making this Creamy Tomato Chickpea Stew, I was pleasantly surprised by how rich and flavorful it turned out. The combination of tomatoes and chickpeas creates an awesome base, and adding a splash of coconut milk gives it that luxurious, creamy texture that I just can’t resist. I remember thinking how simple ingredients could lead to such a comforting dish.

One of the best tips I learned while preparing this stew is to let it simmer a little longer if you have the time. The flavors meld beautifully, and you'll find that the chickpeas soak up the savory tomato goodness. It’s a dish I love to share with friends during cozy gatherings!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich, creamy texture that warms the soul
Wholesome chickpeas packed with protein
Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights

      

Unleashing Flavor with Aromatics

The base of any great stew is in its aromatics, and in this Creamy Tomato Chickpea Stew, the combination of onions, garlic, and spices plays a crucial role. Sautéing the onion until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes, not only softens it but also releases its natural sweetness. Adding garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika creates a fragrant aroma that excites the senses and acts as a flavorful foundation for the stew.

Make sure to cook the spices until they are fragrant but not burnt, which usually takes about 1 minute. This step helps to bloom the spices, enhancing their flavors in the final dish. If you enjoy a little more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper at this stage for extra depth.

Balancing Texture and Creaminess

The addition of coconut milk not only brings creaminess to the stew but also complements the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully. When you stir in the coconut milk after the stew has reached a gentle simmer, allow it to cook for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, velvety texture that coats the chickpeas and vegetables perfectly.

If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half of the coconut milk with unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk, though keep in mind that this may alter the flavor profile slightly. Ensure you adjust the seasoning accordingly to balance the creaminess.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

This Creamy Tomato Chickpea Stew is remarkably versatile when it comes to serving options. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping or can be served over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to make it a more hearty meal. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten the dish, enhancing the overall flavor.

For make-ahead storage, this stew keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions for later use; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to restore its creamy consistency.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your stew truly special!

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup coconut milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to check your pantry for any spices you might need!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious stew.

Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add Tomatoes and Chickpeas

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and chickpeas. Stir to combine, then add the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Incorporate Coconut Milk

Once simmering, stir in the coconut milk. Allow the stew to cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the creamy stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.

Enjoy this comforting meal with your favorite sides!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try sprinkling some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or throwing in some leafy greens during the last few minutes of cooking.

A Nourishing Protein Source

Chickpeas are the star ingredient in this stew, providing not only a good source of protein but also fiber, which keeps you feeling full longer. One 15 oz can of chickpeas contains around 12 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying meal.

If you find yourself short on chickpeas, white beans or lentils can be great substitutes. Just be cautious with the cooking times, as different legumes require varying cooking durations. Pre-soaked beans will also require adjustments in simmering time.

Customizing Your Stew

Feel free to customize your Creamy Tomato Chickpea Stew by adding seasonal vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers. You can toss in these additional veggies during the simmering stage to ensure they remain tender yet retain some crunch. For an added burst of flavor, consider stirring in a handful of fresh herbs like basil or cilantro just before serving.

For those who prefer a smoky flavor, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke or smoked sea salt to deepen the taste profile of the stew. Each variation brings a unique dimension that can easily transform this dish into something new and exciting.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your stew comes out too thick for your liking, simply stir in more vegetable broth or coconut milk until you reach your desired consistency. This will enhance the creaminess while ensuring a satisfying texture. On the flip side, if it’s too watery, you can simmer it a bit longer to evaporate excess liquid, concentrating the flavors.

Over-seasoning can be easily fixed by incorporating an extra can of tomatoes or chickpeas, which will balance the flavors. If you find the stew still needs more punch after adjusting, a touch of acid, like lemon juice or vinegar, can elevate the overall taste beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this stew vegan?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan as it uses coconut milk and plant-based ingredients.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

→ What can I serve with the stew?

This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or quinoa for a complete meal.

→ Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.