Savory Middle Eastern Chickpea & Sweet Potato Stew
Experience the rich flavors of the Middle East with this hearty Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew. Slowly caramelized onions lend a deep, nutty sweetness, while a harmonious blend of ground cumin and coriander spices infuses the dish with warmth. The addition of orange juice brightens each bite, balancing the earthy chickpeas and the creamy texture of sweet potatoes that melt into the broth. Finished with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro, this nourishing stew is a comforting and satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with whole-wheat pita and a refreshing cucumber salad drizzled with yogurt. Great for meal prep, each serving offers a fulfilling combination of flavors and textures that warms the heart and delights the palate.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (heated)
onions
3 medium (halved and thinly sliced (about 3 cups))
ground cumin
2 teaspoons (ground)
ground coriander
2 teaspoons (ground)
orange juice
1 cup (freshly squeezed)
reduced-sodium chicken broth
4 cups (or vegetable broth)
chickpeas
2 (15 ounce) cans (rinsed)
sweet potatoes
3 cups (peeled and diced (about 1 pound))
brown basmati rice
2/3 cup (uncooked)
salt
1/4 teaspoon
fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon
fresh cilantro
1/2 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the sliced onions and sauté, stirring frequently, until they are tender and golden brown, approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
3
Stir in the ground cumin and ground coriander, cooking for about 15 seconds until fragrant.
4
Pour in the orange juice and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine.
5
Add the rinsed chickpeas, diced sweet potatoes, brown basmati rice, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the saucepan.
7
Cook for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice is tender and the sweet potatoes have softened, thickening the stew.
8
Taste and season with freshly ground pepper.
9
Let the stew stand for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken further. If desired, add more broth to reach your preferred consistency.
10
Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Middle Eastern Chickpea & Sweet Potato Stew?
It is a hearty, nourishing stew featuring caramelized onions, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and aromatic spices like cumin and coriander.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include extra-virgin olive oil, onions, cumin, coriander, orange juice, broth, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and brown basmati rice.
Is this stew suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, this recipe is entirely vegetarian and plant-based.
How long does it take to sauté the onions?
The onions should be sautéed for approximately 10 to 12 minutes until they are tender and golden brown.
What type of rice is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of uncooked brown basmati rice.
Why is orange juice included in the stew?
Orange juice is used to brighten the flavors and balance the earthy tones of the chickpeas and sweet potatoes.
How many cans of chickpeas are needed?
You will need two 15-ounce cans of chickpeas, which should be rinsed before adding to the pot.
What is the total cooking time for the simmering process?
The stew should simmer covered for about 45 minutes until the rice is tender.
How should the sweet potatoes be prepared?
The sweet potatoes should be peeled and diced, totaling about 3 cups or one pound.
What spices provide the Middle Eastern flavor profile?
The dish uses ground cumin and ground coriander to create its signature warm, aromatic flavor.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, this stew is great for meal prep as the flavors continue to develop and it holds its texture well.
What is the recommended garnish?
The stew is best served with a generous sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro.
What should I serve with this stew?
It pairs beautifully with whole-wheat pita and a refreshing cucumber salad drizzled with yogurt.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients including the pantry staples like salt and pepper.
What do I do if the stew is too thick?
If the stew becomes too thick after standing, you can add more broth to reach your preferred consistency.
Should the chickpeas be drained?
Yes, the chickpeas should be rinsed, which implies draining the liquid from the can.
What heat level should I use for sautéing?
The olive oil and onions should be cooked over medium heat.
What happens to the sweet potatoes during cooking?
The sweet potatoes soften and melt into the broth, which naturally thickens the stew.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper.
Can I use regular onions?
Yes, the recipe suggests 3 medium onions, halved and thinly sliced.
Is this a high-fiber meal?
Yes, due to the chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and brown rice, this is a high-fiber dish.
How much orange juice is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
What type of broth can I use?
You can use 4 cups of either reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth.
Do I cook the spices before adding liquid?
Yes, stir in the cumin and coriander and cook for about 15 seconds until fragrant before adding liquids.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil.
Does the recipe require a specific pot?
A large saucepan is recommended to accommodate the ingredients and the simmering process.
Is the cilantro added during cooking?
No, the cilantro is added at the end as a fresh garnish before serving.
How do I know the stew is done?
The stew is finished when the rice is tender and the sweet potatoes have softened enough to thicken the liquid.
Is the rice cooked before adding it to the stew?
No, the brown basmati rice is added uncooked and cooks along with the other ingredients in the broth.
Should the stew sit before serving?
Yes, let the stew stand for a few minutes after cooking to allow it to thicken further.