Spicy Chorizo Chickpea Stew: A Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Welcome to a cozy culinary journey with a simmering pot of Chorizo Chickpea Stew. This soul-warming Spanish-inspired dish is a delightful blend of smoky chorizo, hearty chickpeas, and a medley of aromatic spices that come together harmoniously in just 30 minutes. Perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave a comforting meal, this stew is a testament to the magic of simple yet flavorful cooking.

The allure of Chorizo Chickpea Stew lies in its rich flavors and easy preparation, making it a go-to recipe for busy days or when you want to savor a taste of Spain in your own kitchen. As the fragrant aroma of smoked paprika infuses the air, transporting you to the bustling tapas bars of Barcelona, you’ll find yourself falling in love with the robust character of this dish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this stew promises a satisfying experience that lingers long after the last spoonful.

Whether you choose to stick with the classic chorizo or opt for a vegetarian twist, this stew is versatile and adaptable to suit your preferences. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping or elevate it with a bed of fluffy rice – the options are as endless as the smiles around the table. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the heartwarming flavors of Chorizo Chickpea Stew fill your home with comfort and joy.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and Easy: Comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal or when you need a comforting dish in a hurry.
• Adaptable: Easily customizable to suit dietary preferences – can be made vegetarian or vegan with simple substitutions.
• Flavorful: The combination of smoky chorizo, chickpeas, and Spanish spices creates a deeply satisfying and rich flavor profile.
• Improved with Time: The stew intensifies in flavor when stored, making it a great make-ahead option or for meal prepping.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Chorizo Chickpea Stew: A Flavorful Weeknight Dinner Recipe

• Authentic Spanish Flavors: Transport yourself to the small tapas bars of Spain with the rich combination of smoky chorizo and tender chickpeas in this stew.
• Quick and Easy: Enjoy a deeply satisfying dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, but actually comes together in just 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: This recipe offers a vegetarian option by substituting plant-based chorizo or smoked tofu, making it adaptable to different dietary preferences.
• Secret Ingredient: The smoked paprika adds a depth of flavor that transforms the dish from good to exceptional, elevating the overall taste experience.
• Meal Enhancements: Serve with crusty bread, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables to complement the stew, or enjoy it on its own for a comforting meal.
• Make Ahead: The flavors intensify over time, making it a great dish to prepare in advance and enjoy as leftovers, or freeze for up to 3 months for a quick meal option.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice level to your preference by reducing or adding more jalapeno, chili powder, and smoked paprika for a milder or spicier taste.
• Ingredient Substitutions: Experiment with different types of chorizo, such as smoked or fresh, and feel free to swap in plant-based alternatives for a personalized twist on the recipe.
• Enhance Flavor: Finish each bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs for added brightness, taking the dish to the next level in terms of visual appeal and taste.

Ingredients for Spicy Chorizo Chickpea Stew: A Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 14 ounces canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 large jalapeno, seeds removed, diced
• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 14 ounces canned crushed tomato
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 cups chorizo, thinly sliced

How to Make Spicy Chorizo Chickpea Stew: A Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Step 1: Sauté chorizo

Heat olive oil in a large frying pan or small pot over medium-high heat. Add sliced chorizo and sauté for 5-6 minutes until browned.

Step 2: Cook aromatics and spices

Sauté onion, garlic, jalapeno, oregano, paprika, chili powder, and bay leaf for 2-3 minutes until onion is tender.

Step 3: Add liquids and base ingredients

Combine crushed tomato, chickpeas, chicken broth, salt, and pepper, stirring until well mixed.

Step 4: Simmer stew

Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Finish and serve

Discard the bay leaf and serve.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Chorizo Chickpea Stew, it is important to store any leftovers properly to maintain its flavors. Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Interestingly, the flavors in the stew will actually intensify over time, making it even more delicious with each passing day. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.

If you find yourself with more stew than you can consume within a few days, you can freeze it for later enjoyment. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. The Chorizo Chickpea Stew freezes beautifully and can be kept for up to 3 months. To enjoy the frozen stew, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating it on the stovetop, ensuring to adjust the consistency with a bit of broth if necessary. This way, you can have a comforting and flavorful meal ready whenever you desire with minimal effort.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian twist on this Chorizo Chickpea Stew, consider using plant-based chorizo or smoked tofu instead of traditional chorizo. This substitution maintains the smoky flavors of the dish while making it suitable for vegetarians. Vegetable broth can easily replace chicken broth to keep the stew completely meat-free.

If you prefer a milder version of the stew, feel free to adjust the spiciness levels by reducing or omitting the jalapeno, chili powder, and smoked paprika. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to add extra of these ingredients or even some additional chili flakes for more spiciness.

While the recipe calls for smoked chorizo, you can also use fresh chorizo by removing the casings and cooking the crumbled meat. Additionally, if you don’t have smoked paprika on hand, you can substitute it with regular paprika. To mimic the smokiness, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or a bit of chipotle powder for a similar flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this flavorful Chorizo Chickpea Stew with a side of fluffy white rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. Alternatively, pair it with a refreshing green salad dressed with a tangy sherry vinaigrette for a balanced meal. For an added touch, finish each bowl with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to brighten up the flavors.

To elevate your dining experience, consider serving this Spanish-inspired stew in individual bread bowls made from crusty baguettes. Simply hollow out the center of each bread loaf, ladle in the stew, and top with a sprinkle of cheese before baking until golden and bubbly. The combination of the warm, crusty bread with the hearty stew will create a comforting and visually appealing dish that is sure to impress your guests.

FAQs for Spicy Chorizo Chickpea Stew: A Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Can I make this stew vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the chorizo with plant-based chorizo or another protein alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the dish vegetarian.

What are some good side dishes to serve with this stew?

This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, rice, or even a side of roasted vegetables. It can also be served on its own as a comforting meal.

How can I adjust the spiciness level of this stew?

Absolutely! Reduce or omit the jalapeno, chili powder, and smoked paprika for a milder taste. Alternatively, add extra for more heat.

Can I freeze this stew for later?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid freezing as the texture of chickpeas may change.

Conclusion

As you savor the last spoonful of this heartwarming Chorizo Chickpea Stew, let the flavors linger, reminding you of the cozy evenings and the delightful aromas that filled your kitchen. This stew truly captures the essence of Spanish comfort food, offering a perfect blend of smoky chorizo and tender chickpeas that will warm you from the inside out.

Whether you choose to enjoy this stew with a side of crusty bread, over fluffy rice, or on its own, the versatility and depth of flavors make it a standout dish for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations, like swapping in plant-based chorizo or adjusting the spice levels to suit your preferences. Embrace the magic of this Chorizo Chickpea Stew and let it become a staple in your cooking repertoire, bringing the taste of Spain right into your home with every satisfying bite.

Spicy Chorizo Chickpea Stew: A Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

“Transport yourself to Spain with this smoky Chorizo Chickpea Stew, a comforting dish bursting with rich flavors in just 30 minutes.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time5 Minutes

Cook Time25 Minutes

Total Time30 Minutes

CuisineSpanish

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 14 ounces canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 large jalapeno, seeds removed, diced
• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 14 ounces canned crushed tomato
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 cups chorizo, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Sauté chorizo: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan or small pot over medium-high heat. Add sliced chorizo and sauté for 5-6 minutes until browned.
2. Cook aromatics and spices: Sauté onion, garlic, jalapeno, oregano, paprika, chili powder, and bay leaf for 2-3 minutes until onion is tender.
3. Add liquids and base ingredients: Combine crushed tomato, chickpeas, chicken broth, salt, and pepper, stirring until well mixed.
4. Simmer stew: Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
5. Finish and serve: Discard the bay leaf and serve.