If you're craving something cozy, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients, this Lebanese Chickpea Stew with Zaatar is the perfect dish to satisfy your taste buds. With the warmth of Middle Eastern spices and the earthy richness of zaatar, this vegan stew delivers an incredible depth of flavor.
It's hearty enough for a weeknight dinner, yet light enough to leave you feeling energized. The medley of chickpeas, bell peppers, spinach, and a simple yet bold spice mix creates an unforgettable combination. Whether you're familiar with Lebanese food or trying it for the first time, this comforting dish is guaranteed to bring joy to your table.
Inspired by a chance encounter with Pierce Abernathy, this stew celebrates simplicity, flavor, and wholesome ingredients.
Sometimes, inspiration strikes when you least expect it. Recently, I ran into Pierce Abernathy, a chef known for his minimalist, ingredient-forward approach. Our conversation left me reflecting on how the best meals often come from humble, everyday ingredients. With that in mind, I decided to craft this Lebanese Chickpea Stew with Zaatar.
This dish is packed with rich flavors, thanks to the blend of spices, creamy chickpeas, and the warming notes of Zaatar. It’s a perfect balance of comfort and nourishment, ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty yet wholesome. Paired with crusty bread or pita, this stew is a wonderful homage to Lebanese cuisine while keeping things simple and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon miso paste (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon zaatar spice blend
- 1 large handful of spinach or leafy greens
- Pinch of salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
Steps:
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add garlic and bell pepper: Stir in the garlic and bell peppers, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers soften.
- Incorporate the tomato paste: Add tomato paste and miso (if using), stirring until everything is well combined. Let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the paste to deepen in flavor.
- Add broth and spices: Pour in the vegetable broth, and add the bay leaf, ground cumin, and zaatar. Season with salt and black pepper. Give it a good stir and bring the stew to a simmer.
- Add chickpeas and spinach: Add the chickpeas and spinach, stirring to combine. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Final touches: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you like a bit more heat, add red pepper flakes. Serve in shallow bowls, drizzled with a bit of olive oil, and accompanied by crusty bread or pita.
Substitutions:
- Spinach: Replace spinach with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard for added texture.
- Miso: If you're out of miso, try adding a splash of soy sauce for umami flavor.
- Vegetable broth: You can substitute with water, but for the best flavor, vegetable broth adds richness to the stew.
- Chickpeas: Use white beans, such as cannellini, if you prefer a smoother texture.
Variations:
- Add sweet potatoes: For extra heartiness and sweetness, throw in cubed sweet potatoes when adding the bell peppers.
- Make it spicy: Add a tablespoon of harissa paste or cayenne pepper for a fiery twist.
- Slow cooker version: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker, set on low heat, and let it cook for 4-6 hours for an easy meal prep.
Top Tip:
When adding the zaatar, make sure to sprinkle it at the end or toward the last 10 minutes of cooking. This ensures you get the full aromatic burst of the zaatar without losing its flavor during the long simmering process.
Hint:
For a thicker stew, mash some of the chickpeas in the pot with a wooden spoon or a potato masher. This will create a creamier texture without needing to add any extra ingredients.
FAQ:
1. Can I use canned chickpeas?
Yes, canned chickpeas work great and save time. Just drain and rinse them before adding them to the stew.
2. Can I freeze this stew?
Absolutely! This Lebanese chickpea stew freezes well in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Just reheat on the stovetop when ready to enjoy.
3. What can I serve with this stew?
It pairs perfectly with pita bread, vermicelli rice, or even a bowl of quinoa. The savory flavors also go well with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Enjoy the rich, warming flavors of this Lebanese Chickpea Stew with Zaatar—it's a fantastic recipe that brings together the best of Lebanese cuisine!
Lebanese Chickpea Stew with Za'atar
Ingredients
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon miso paste optional
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon zaatar spice blend
- 1 large handful of spinach or leafy greens
- Pinch of salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add garlic and bell pepper: Stir in the garlic and bell peppers, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers soften.
- Incorporate the tomato paste: Add tomato paste and miso (if using), stirring until everything is well combined. Let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the paste to deepen in flavor.
- Add broth and spices: Pour in the vegetable broth, and add the bay leaf, ground cumin, and zaatar. Season with salt and black pepper. Give it a good stir and bring the stew to a simmer.
- Add chickpeas and spinach: Add the chickpeas and spinach, stirring to combine. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Final touches: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you like a bit more heat, add red pepper flakes. Serve in shallow bowls, drizzled with a bit of olive oil, and accompanied by crusty bread or pita.
