Spicy Chickpea Meatball Stew: The Easiest Harissa Chickpea Stew

Spicy chickpea meatball stew. The scent alone transports me back to crisp autumn evenings spent huddled around the kitchen table with family. This spicy chickpea meatball stew isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. My grandmother, a woman whose culinary skills were legendary, first taught me this recipe. It has evolved over time, incorporating the fiery kick of harissa, but it always retains that original essence of comfort and love.

Why You Will Love This spicy chickpea meatball stew Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! It’s the ultimate comfort food, ready in under an hour, packed with flavour, and surprisingly easy to make. Seriously, even on the busiest weeknights, this is a totally achievable dinner. It’s hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest appetites and makes the most fantastic leftovers.

But, beyond the practicality, it’s the taste that wins me over every time. The combination of savory chickpea meatballs simmered in a tomato rich broth enhanced by harissa paste is simply divine. The spice is tempered by the sweetness of the tomatoes and the earthiness of the chickpeas, creating a symphony of flavours in your mouth. Trust me, this is a recipe you’ll be making again and again.

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Ingredients Needed for This spicy chickpea meatball stew Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this flavourful dish:

For the Chickpea Meatballs:

• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Stew:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 to 2 tablespoons harissa paste (depending on spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

How to Make This spicy chickpea meatball stew Recipe

This spicy chickpea meatball stew comes together quickly and easily, so let’s get started!

1. 1. Prepare the Chickpea Meatballs: In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, rolled oats, parsley, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture forms a coarse paste. Don’t over process; you want some texture.
2. 2. Shape the Meatballs: Roll the chickpea mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. 3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chickpea meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside.
4. 4. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. 5. Create the Stew: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, drained chickpeas, vegetable broth, harissa paste, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Adjust the amount of harissa paste based on your spice preference.
6. 6. Simmer the Stew: Bring the stew to a simmer, then return the chickpea meatballs to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. 7. Serve: Ladle the spicy chickpea meatball stew into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Enjoy!

How to Serve This spicy chickpea meatball stew Recipe

This spicy chickpea meatball stew is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with some complementary sides and toppings.

Consider serving it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a swirl of coconut cream to add a touch of coolness and richness. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the flavour and presentation. Crusty bread, pita bread, or couscous are perfect for soaking up the flavorful stew. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew. This harissa chickpea stew pairs well with roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or broccoli too.

How to Store This spicy chickpea meatball stew Recipe

Proper storage ensures that your spicy chickpea meatball stew stays fresh and flavorful for days to come.

Refrigeration: Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Freezing: For longer storage, transfer the cooled stew to freezer safe containers or bags. Be sure to leave some room in the container as the stew will expand when frozen. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheating: To reheat, thaw the frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight. Then, heat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave safe bowl for a few minutes.

Tips to Make This spicy chickpea meatball stew Recipe

Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your spicy chickpea meatball stew turns out perfectly every time:

• Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have rolled oats, you can use breadcrumbs in the chickpea meatballs. If you prefer a milder flavour, use less harissa paste or substitute with a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes.
• Success Tips: Don’t overcook the meatballs in the stew, they will become mushy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Avoid using too much harissa paste if you’re sensitive to spice. Make sure the chickpeas are well drained before processing for the meatballs to prevent them from being too wet.
• Pro Tips for Best Results: For a richer flavour, use homemade vegetable broth. For added texture, add some chopped vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to the stew.

Helpful Notes for This spicy chickpea meatball stew Recipe

A few extra notes to ensure success!

• Harissa Paste: Harissa paste is a North African chili paste that adds a wonderful smoky and spicy flavour to the stew. You can find it in most grocery stores or online.
• Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas work perfectly in this recipe, but you can also use dried chickpeas. If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the recipe.
• Equipment: A food processor is helpful for making the chickpea meatballs, but you can also mash the chickpeas by hand with a fork. A large pot or Dutch oven is ideal for making the stew.

Variation of This spicy chickpea meatball stew Recipe

There are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

• Seasonal Twists: In the fall, add some butternut squash or pumpkin to the stew. In the summer, add some fresh tomatoes or zucchini.
• Optional Versions: For a vegan version, make sure to use vegetable broth and omit any dairy toppings. For a gluten free version, ensure all your ingredients, including oats, are certified gluten free.
• Creative Modifications: Add a can of coconut milk for a creamy version of the stew. Include chopped bell peppers or spinach for added vegetables.

Conclusion

I hope you love this spicy chickpea meatball stew as much as my family does. This recipe is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to make, perfect for any night of the week. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly comforting and flavorful meal. Let me know what you think in the comments below!

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