Slow Cooker Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew Recipe

Welcome to this exotic Slow Cooker Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew recipe. This nourishing dish is filled with vibrant flavors from a mix of spices and wholesome ingredients. A great choice for vegans and health-conscious individuals, it is a fantastic, warming meal for chilly days.

Photos of Slow Cooker Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew Recipe

This recipe calls for garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas, which are a staple in many pantries. However, if they're not a regular item in your home, they can be easily found in the canned goods aisle at your local supermarket. The same goes for sweet potatoes. If you don't have them on hand, they're readily available in the produce section. We use fresh baby spinach for this recipe, which is also commonly found.

Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew

Onion: The aromatic base of the stew.

Garbanzo beans: Adds texture and is a great source of protein.

Sweet potatoes: Gives the stew a sweet, hearty body.

Garlic: Adds a hint of pungent flavor.

Salt and pepper: Season to taste.

Ginger, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon: A mix of spices for a warm, flavorful touch.

Vegetable broth: The liquid base of the stew. Make sure to choose a good quality one for better flavor.

Spinach: Adds freshness and a pop of color to the dish.

One reader, Joelle Urbina says:

This slow cooker chickpea sweet potato stew recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the sweet potatoes add a delightful touch of sweetness. It's so easy to prepare, and the aroma as it cooks is simply heavenly. A must-try for anyone looking for a hearty and wholesome meal.

Joelle Urbina

Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew

How to prepare the ingredients: Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then dice them into small cubes. Drain and rinse the garbanzo beans. Peel and chop the onion. Mince the garlic.

How to adjust the seasoning: Taste the stew before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or any of the spices to suit your preference.

How to serve the stew: Ladle the stew into bowls and serve it warm. You can garnish it with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.

How To Make Slow Cooker Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew

This filling chickpea sweet potato stew is loaded with nutritious greens and hearty spices, that’s all slow-cooked for a fuss-free meal!

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 4 hours

Total: 4 hours 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1medium yellow onion,chopped
15ozgarbanzo beans,(2 cans), drained
1lbsweet potatoes,peeled, chopped
1tbspgarlic,minced
½tspkosher salt
¼tspcoarse ground black pepper
1tspground ginger
1½tspground cumin
1tspground coriander
¼tspground cinnamon
4cupsvegetable broth,fat free
4cupsfresh baby spinach

Instructions

Place the onions in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the onion, beans, sweet potatoes, garlic, salt, pepper, ginger, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and vegetable broth to the slow cooker.
Cook on Low for 6 to 7 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours.
Add in the spinach leaves and stir. Cook an additional 15 minutes on High.
Serve warm, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 349.73kcal
Fat: 4.61g
Saturated Fat: 0.48g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.13g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.00g
Carbohydrates: 63.24g
Fiber: 11.77g
Sugar: 11.67g
Protein: 16.39g
Sodium: 246.67mg
Calcium: 91.31mg
Potassium: 859.64mg
Iron: 4.27mg
Vitamin A: 575.02µg
Vitamin C: 8.85mg

Helpful Technique Tip for Preparing This Stew Recipe

When adding the spinach to the stew, make sure to gently fold it in rather than stirring vigorously. This will help the leaves to wilt evenly without becoming overly mushy or losing their vibrant color. Also, adding them in the last 15 minutes of cooking ensures they retain their nutritional value and fresh taste.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Stew Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop the onions, sweet potatoes, and garlic the night before and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to save time on the day of cooking.

Use canned beans: Opt for canned garbanzo beans instead of dried ones to skip the soaking and cooking time, making the recipe more time-efficient.

High pressure: If you're short on time, consider using a pressure cooker to significantly reduce the cooking time while still achieving a delicious stew.

Quick spinach prep: Purchase pre-washed and pre-chopped baby spinach to eliminate the need for washing and chopping, saving valuable time during meal preparation.

Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew Recipe

garbanzo beans - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making them a great substitute for garbanzo beans in this stew.
sweet potatoes - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash has a similar sweet and nutty flavor to sweet potatoes, and it holds up well in slow cooking, making it a great substitute in this stew.
garlic - Substitute with 1 tsp garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a convenient alternative without compromising the flavor of the stew.
vegetable broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can add a savory depth of flavor to the stew, and its richness complements the other ingredients well.
baby spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for spinach, adding a hearty texture and earthy flavor to the stew.

Presentation Tips for Slow Cooker Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew

Elevate the plating: Present the stew in a shallow, wide bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish. The contrast of the golden sweet potatoes, earthy chickpeas, and vibrant green spinach will create an eye-catching presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the stew with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. The bright green herbs will provide a beautiful contrast against the warm tones of the stew.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crunchy element, such as toasted pumpkin seeds or crispy chickpeas, as a garnish. This will introduce a delightful textural contrast to the stew.
Artful drizzle: Finish the dish with a delicate drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a swirl of coconut cream for a touch of elegance and richness.
Use elegant serving utensils: Opt for sleek, modern serving utensils to elevate the dining experience and showcase the stew as a refined, gourmet dish.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Stew Recipe

Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and chopping ingredients.
Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering food at a low temperature over a long period of time.
Microwave-safe dish: A dish that is safe to use in the microwave for heating and cooking food.
Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Vegetable peeler: A tool used to remove the outer skin or peel of vegetables.
Can opener: Used for opening cans of ingredients such as beans or tomatoes.
Stirring spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring and mixing ingredients in cooking.
Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering food at a low temperature over a long period of time.
Microwave: An appliance used for cooking and heating food quickly using microwave radiation.
Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and chopping ingredients.
Vegetable peeler: A tool used to remove the outer skin or peel of vegetables.
Can opener: Used for opening cans of ingredients such as beans or tomatoes.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew

Allow the stew to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and potentially spoiling the dish.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled stew to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
To freeze the stew for longer storage:
- Divide the cooled stew into portion-sized freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for even freezing and to save space.
- Frozen chickpea and sweet potato stew can be stored for up to 3 months.
To reheat frozen stew:
- Remove the desired portion from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight.
- Once thawed, transfer the stew to a saucepan and reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the stew appears too thick after thawing, add a small amount of vegetable broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Note: The spinach may lose some of its texture and color after freezing and reheating. If you prefer fresher-tasting spinach, you can omit it before freezing and add freshly cooked spinach when reheating the stew.

How To Reheat Leftover Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew

Stovetop method: transfer the leftover stew to a saucepan and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure the sweet potatoes and chickpeas are evenly heated without becoming mushy.
Microwave method: place the desired portion of leftover stew in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the stew is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the sweet potatoes to become too soft.
Slow cooker method: if you have a large amount of leftover stew, you can reheat it in the slow cooker. Transfer the stew back into the slow cooker and heat on low for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is ideal for maintaining the original texture of the sweet potatoes and chickpeas.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover stew to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the stew is heated through. This method is suitable for larger portions and helps maintain the stew's consistency.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the stew well to ensure even heat distribution. If the stew appears too thick after reheating, you can add a small amount of vegetable broth or water to help loosen it up and restore its original consistency.

Interesting Fact About Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew

Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein and are high in fiber, making them a nutritious addition to this stew. They also contain several key vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, and manganese.

Is Making Slow Cooker Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew Cost-Effective?

This slow cooker chickpea sweet potato stew recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The combination of garbanzo beans, sweet potatoes, and vegetable broth offers a budget-friendly yet nutritious meal. With the total cost averaging around $15, this stew is a great option for families. The rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a satisfying and economical choice. I rate this recipe a solid 9 for its affordability and delicious outcome.

Is This Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew Healthy?

The slow cooker chickpea sweet potato stew recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced dish that offers a variety of health benefits:

Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, promoting satiety and digestive health
Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and potassium, supporting immune function and heart health
Spinach is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to overall well-being
The combination of spices like ginger, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon not only enhances the flavor but also provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties

To further elevate the nutritional value of this already healthy stew, consider the following suggestions:

Incorporate additional vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to increase the fiber content and provide a broader spectrum of vitamins and minerals
Replace half of the sweet potatoes with regular potatoes or butternut squash for a lower glycemic index option
Add a tablespoon of coconut oil or olive oil to enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and provide healthy fats
Serve the stew with a side of brown rice, quinoa, or whole-grain bread to introduce complex carbohydrates and additional fiber
Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added flavor and nutrients

Editor's Opinion on This Slow Cooker Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew

This slow cooker chickpea sweet potato stew recipe is a delightful combination of hearty and flavorful ingredients. The use of aromatic spices like ginger, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon adds depth to the dish, while the addition of baby spinach provides a pop of color and freshness. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a comforting and satisfying stew. It's a perfect dish for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd. The balance of protein, fiber, and nutrients makes it a wholesome and delicious option for any occasion.

Enhance Your Slow Cooker Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for soaking up the flavorful stew.

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans: Tender green beans sautéed with garlic and topped with savory parmesan cheese, a delicious and nutritious side for the stew.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with honey, adding a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory stew.

Similar Recipes to Slow Cooker Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: Combine roasted vegetables, quinoa, and a tangy vinaigrette for a delicious and nutritious salad.

Balsamic Glazed Salmon: Marinate salmon in a balsamic glaze and then bake or grill for a flavorful and healthy main dish.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Mix chia seeds with coconut milk and fresh mango for a creamy and tropical dessert or breakfast option.

Appetizer and Dessert Suggestions for Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a delectable appetizer by stuffing large mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a crowd-pleasing starter.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: Whip up a batch of crispy zucchini fritters by grating fresh zucchini and mixing it with herbs, spices, and a binding agent. Pan-fry until golden brown and serve with a dollop of creamy yogurt sauce for a delightful appetizer.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a decadent and velvety smooth chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The rich and creamy texture will melt in your mouth with every spoonful, leaving you craving for more.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, with tender cinnamon-spiced apples nestled beneath a crispy oat topping. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Why trust this Slow Cooker Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew Recipe:

This slow cooker stew recipe is a wholesome and flavorful dish that combines the hearty goodness of garbanzo beans and sweet potatoes with a fragrant blend of garlic, ginger, cumin, and coriander. The addition of spinach not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds a pop of vibrant color. With a rich base of vegetable broth, this stew promises a comforting and satisfying meal. Trust in the harmonious combination of these fresh, wholesome ingredients to deliver a delightful dining experience.

Have you tried this Slow Cooker Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew Recipe? Share your experience and any tweaks you made in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned chickpeas for this recipe. Be sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the slow cooker.

Can I substitute the sweet potatoes with regular potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes if you prefer. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the stew will be slightly different.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh baby spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach instead of fresh baby spinach. Just be sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach before adding it to the stew.

Can I add other vegetables to the stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the stew by adding other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or kale to suit your taste.

Can I make this stew ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, this stew can be made ahead of time and reheated later. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.