Healthy Crockpot Lemon Chickpea Stew

Name: Healthy Crockpot Lemon Chickpea Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can diced tomatoes; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 lemon, juiced and zested; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups fresh spinach

Highlighted under: Simple Collection

I absolutely love whipping up this Healthy Crockpot Lemon Chickpea Stew on busy weeknights. It’s a dish that not only comes together with minimal effort, but it also fills the kitchen with a bright, zesty aroma that lifts my spirits. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the chickpeas become tender and flavorful. With a hint of lemon, it’s the perfect comfort food that’s packed with nutrition, making it a favorite for both me and my family.

Created by

Loretta Winslow

Last updated on 2026-01-14T03:14:37.245Z

When I first discovered this Healthy Crockpot Lemon Chickpea Stew, I was looking for a nutritious meal that I could set and forget. The combination of chickpeas and veggies yields a hearty dish, and the lemon adds a refreshing brightness that lifts the flavors. I remember the first time I prepared it on a chilly afternoon; the stew simmered to perfection, filling my home with an inviting scent.

One of my tips for this recipe is to add the spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This keeps the greens vibrant and adds a lovely texture. I also love serving it over brown rice or quinoa for an added boost of fiber. Trust me, once you try this stew, it will become a staple in your meal rotation!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Zesty lemon flavor that brightens up your meal
Packed with plant-based protein and fiber
Perfect for meal prep and easy weeknight dinners

      

Essential Ingredients for Flavor

The combination of chickpeas, vegetables, and spices in this stew creates a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and nutritious. Chickpeas serve as the foundation, providing a hearty texture and a robust plant-based protein. Their ability to absorb the stew’s seasonings allows them to shine in flavor, especially with the brightness of the lemon. It’s important to use quality, fresh ingredients to enhance the overall taste, so sourcing organic, ripe tomatoes can make a significant difference.

The three main vegetables—onion, carrot, and celery—work together to form a flavor base known as mirepoix. Cooking these vegetables in the crockpot allows them to soften and meld into the broth, imparting their natural sweetness and aroma. If you're looking to add more depth, consider sautéing the onion and garlic in olive oil before transferring them to the crockpot; this step develops a rich caramelized flavor that enhances the final dish.

Cooking Tips and Techniques

Slow cooking not only simplifies the process but also maximizes the flavors blending together. If you’re short on time, cooking on high for around three hours will yield a similarly delicious result. Just keep an eye on the chickpeas, as they can become overly soft if cooked too long on high. The textures should be tender yet hold together, ensuring each bite is satisfying and not mushy.

When adding spinach at the end of cooking, stir gently to incorporate it into the stew without overcooking it. This preserves the bright green color and nutritional value of the spinach. If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can easily substitute it with kale or Swiss chard, adding them at the same stage to ensure they wilt nicely but still retain some texture.

Ingredients

For the Stew

2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

Cooking Steps

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large crockpot, combine the drained chickpeas, diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Add the can of diced tomatoes with their juices.

Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the vegetable broth, and then add the lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, cumin, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.

Slow Cook

Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. If cooking on high, check for doneness, as cook times may vary.

Add Spinach

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach and allow it to wilt and blend into the stew.

Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, preferably over rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving.

Storing and Reheating

This stew makes an excellent meal prep dish, as it freezes beautifully. To freeze, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or you can directly reheat from frozen in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

When reheating, you might want to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to retain the stew's moisture and prevent it from thickening too much. It's essential to taste before serving again, as flavors can mellow out during storage; you may need to adjust seasonings like salt or lemon juice to brighten it back up.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serve this stew over a bed of fluffy quinoa or rice to turn it into a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, right before serving will add a refreshing touch. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to spice things up.

For a more substantial meal, you can add cubed sweet potatoes or butternut squash at the beginning of the cooking process. They’ll add a subtle sweetness and pair wonderfully with the lemon flavor, while enhancing the nutrient profile. If you're looking to make this dish even heartier, adding grains like farro or barley can create a delicious texture contrast.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well! Just add them while cooking, but reduce the cooking time slightly.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when you add the garlic.

→ Is this stew suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully.

→ Can I substitute chickpeas with another bean?

Yes, you can use other beans like white beans or lentils, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.