Creamy Spicy Chickpea and Peanut Stew
Indulge in this delightful vegan stew, where the creaminess of peanut butter meets the warmth and spice of chili peppers. This hearty dish combines the protein-packed goodness of chickpeas with a medley of fresh vegetables, all simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth. Enhanced by fragrant spices and a hint of garlic, every spoonful provides a satisfying contrast of sweet and spicy. Ideal for a cozy dinner, this stew will fill your kitchen with inviting aromas and warm your heart on any chilly evening.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chickpeas
1 can (drained and rinsed)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Garlic
4 cloves (minced)
Chili Pepper
1-2 (minced (hot or mild depending on taste))
Vegetable Broth
2 cups (use less for thicker stew, homemade or from a bouillon cube)
Peanut Butter
5-6 tablespoons (to taste)
Canned Tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can (crushed or chopped)
Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
Coriander Powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Turmeric Powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Zucchini
1 (chopped)
Bell Pepper
1 (chopped)
Salt
to taste (none)
Black Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spicy Chickpea and Peanut Stew?
This is a hearty vegan stew that combines chickpeas, vegetables, and aromatic spices in a rich, creamy sauce made from peanut butter and tomatoes.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this stew is 100% vegan as it uses plant-based proteins like chickpeas and vegetable broth instead of animal products.
Is the Chickpea and Peanut Stew gluten-free?
Yes, the primary ingredients—chickpeas, vegetables, peanut butter, and spices—are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your vegetable broth and peanut butter are certified gluten-free.
What can I use instead of peanut butter if I have an allergy?
If you have a peanut allergy, you can substitute with sunflower seed butter (SunButter) or tahini for a similar creamy texture, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, but you must soak and cook the dried chickpeas before adding them to the stew, as the simmering time for the stew is not long enough to soften raw dried beans.
How spicy is this stew?
The spice level depends on the type and amount of chili peppers you use. You can use mild chilies for a gentle warmth or habaneros for intense heat.
What should I serve with this stew?
It pairs beautifully with brown rice, quinoa, couscous, or warm crusty bread. For a lower-carb option, try cauliflower rice.
Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?
Absolutely. Spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, or carrots would make excellent additions to this versatile stew.
How do I make the stew thicker?
To thicken the stew, use less vegetable broth, add an extra tablespoon of peanut butter, or mash a few of the chickpeas directly in the pot.
How do I make the stew thinner?
If the stew is too thick, simply stir in additional vegetable broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can combine all ingredients except the zucchini and peanut butter in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the zucchini and peanut butter during the last 30 minutes.
How long does this stew stay fresh in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, this stew will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days.
Can I freeze this chickpea stew?
Yes, it freezes very well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What type of peanut butter is best for this recipe?
A natural, creamy, unsweetened peanut butter works best to ensure the stew isn't overly sweet and mixes smoothly.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, both chickpeas and peanut butter provide significant amounts of plant-based protein, making this a very satisfying meal.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes. You may need to add a splash of tomato paste to achieve the same depth of flavor.
What are the main spices used in this stew?
The flavor base comes from a blend of ground cumin, coriander powder, and turmeric powder, combined with fresh garlic and chili.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
It can be! If cooking for children who dislike heat, simply omit the chili peppers. The creamy peanut butter flavor is usually very popular with kids.
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter or cashew butter can be used. This will result in a milder, more subtle nutty flavor.
How do I reheat the stew?
Reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until bubbling, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
What is the best way to garnish this dish?
Top with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, crushed peanuts, or sliced green onions for added texture and brightness.
Does this recipe contain soy?
No, this recipe is naturally soy-free, provided that your vegetable broth does not contain soy-based flavorings.
Can I use frozen zucchini or bell peppers?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used. Add them toward the end of the cooking process so they don't become too mushy.
Is it better to use creamy or crunchy peanut butter?
Creamy peanut butter is preferred for a smooth sauce, but crunchy peanut butter can be used if you enjoy the extra texture of peanut pieces.
Can I substitute the vegetable broth?
If you don't have vegetable broth, you can use water with extra salt and spices, or a bouillon cube dissolved in water.
What if I don't have coriander powder?
You can substitute coriander powder with a bit more cumin or a small amount of garam masala if you have it.
Is this stew good for weight loss?
This stew is nutrient-dense and high in fiber, which helps with satiety. However, peanut butter is calorie-dense, so portion control is key.
Can I add meat to this stew?
While designed as a vegan dish, you could add cooked chicken or turkey. However, the chickpeas and peanut butter already provide ample protein.
What kind of chili pepper is recommended?
Thai bird's eye chilies are great for heat, while jalapeños or serranos offer a more moderate spice level.
Can I make this stew without turmeric?
Yes, you can skip the turmeric. It is mostly used for its health benefits and to add a golden hue to the stew.