15-Minute Chickpea Stew Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners

Get ready for this delicious 15 Minute Chickpea Stew! It’s fast, flavoursome and family-friendly — a real one-pot winner that can feed four for under £5.

Chickpea stew in a large pot displayed on white bakcground.

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

This vegan, gluten-free stew comes together in roughly 15 minutes using simple storecupboard ingredients. A quick soffritto of onion, carrot and celery builds a sweet, savoury base, then chickpeas, tomatoes and warming spices make a satisfying, nutrient-rich meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients to make Chickpea stew

Ingredients to make chickpea stew on white background.
  • Carrot – Sliced; helps create a sweet, flavourful soffritto.
  • Celery – Adds depth alongside the carrot and onion.
  • Garlic – Crushed, for a gentle spicy aroma.
  • Onion – Red or white, diced.
  • Chickpeas – Tinned, drained; a great source of plant protein.
  • Tamari – A gluten-free alternative to soy sauce (optional).
  • Ground coriander – Sweet and citrusy.
  • Turmeric – Earthy warmth and colour.
  • Chilli flakes – A pinch for gentle heat.
  • Paprika – Adds smoky depth.
  • Tinned tomatoes – Provide liquid and acidity.
  • Vegetable stock – For seasoning and body.
  • Lime – Juice brightens the finished dish.

See the recipe card below for exact quantities.

Substitutions

  • Chickpeas – Swap for cannellini or butter beans if preferred.
  • Tamari – Regular soy sauce works if gluten is not a concern.
  • Tinned tomatoes – Fresh plum tomatoes can be used; increase the liquid if needed.
  • Lime – Lemon juice is a fine alternative.
  • Onion – Red or white onion both work well.
  • Spices – Missing a spice? The stew will still taste great; adjust to your preference.

Variations

  • Kid-friendly – Keep the stew mild or try another family favourite if pulses are an issue.
  • Increase the heat – Add more chilli flakes or fresh chillies for a spicier version.
  • Deluxe – Serve over brown rice or quinoa, and finish with chopped coriander and lime wedges for a more elevated meal.

How to make chickpea stew

onion, garlic, carrots and celery frying in a large pot. Pot is on a white background.

Step 1: Heat a large pot with olive oil and lightly fry the diced onion, crushed garlic, sliced carrots and celery for a few minutes until softened.

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

Step 2: Stir in the spices, drained chickpeas, tinned tomatoes, veg stock, tamari (if using) and lime juice. Simmer over medium-high heat until the stew thickens, about 7 minutes.

Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in the fridge with a lid for up to 3 days — the flavours often improve overnight. This stew freezes well: cool completely, transfer to airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost and reheat gently until piping hot.

Recipe FAQs

Could I use another bean instead of chickpeas in this recipe?

Yes. Cannellini or butter beans are great alternatives and work well in the same method.

What is Tamari?

Tamari is a soy-sauce-like condiment often made as a by-product of miso; it’s typically gluten-free. Regular soy sauce can be used as a substitute if gluten isn’t a concern.

Can I freeze this Chickpea Stew?

Absolutely. Freeze in portions for quick, homemade meals later on.

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

15 Minute Chickpea Stew

By: James Wythe
Fast, tasty and perfect for a busy evening — this one-pot chickpea stew is filling, affordable and family-friendly.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Equipment

  • Chopping Board
  • 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 chilli flakes
  • 2 x 400g tinned chickpeas, drained
  • 1 x 400g tinned tomatoes
  • 300 ml veg 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 veg for about 3 minutes until softened.
  3. Add the ground coriander, paprika, turmeric and chilli flakes, then stir in the drained chickpeas, tinned tomatoes, veg stock, tamari and lime juice.
  4. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and simmer for around 7 minutes until the stew thickens.
  5. Serve with rice or quinoa.

Notes

Step-by-step photos: The post includes images to guide you through the process.

Substitutions & Variations: See the substitutions section above for simple swaps.

To store: Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To freeze: Cool fully and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Defrost and reheat until piping hot.

Tip 1: Use good-quality tinned chickpeas if possible.

Tip 2: Chop the vegetables to similar sizes for even cooking.

Tip 3: Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand.

Nutrition

Calories: 199 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 27 g |
Protein: 11 g |
Fat: 3 g |
Saturated Fat: 1 g |
Fiber: 11 g |
Sugar: 7 g
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