Jamie Oliver Chickpea Stew 15 Minute Meals Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Chickpea Stew from his 15 Minute Meals cookbook is a vibrant, quick and hearty vegetarian dish that packs tons of flavor into just 15 minutes of cooking. The recipe combines pantry staples like chickpeas, tomatoes and spices, making it ideal for anyone looking for a simple yet satisfying meal after a busy day. It’s not just a stew. it’s a celebration of bright, bold flavors that come together in no time. You’ll get a rich, comforting dish, thanks to a blend of Mediterranean flavors and a dash of Jamie’s signature creative twist. It’s one of those meals that prove healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

Jamie Oliver Chickpea Stew 15 Minute Meals Recipe

Ingredients Needed

The beauty of Jamie’s Chickpea Stew is in its simplicity. You don’t need to search for obscure ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this stew:

• Chickpeas (canned or cooked). These provide the hearty base and protein for the dish.
• Red onion – Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down.
• Garlic – For that aromatic punch of flavor.
• Chopped tomatoes – The stewy base; a little sweetness and tanginess.
• Spinach – A burst of green freshness that wilts down perfectly in the stew.
• Cumin, paprika and ground coriander. These spices bring a warmth that gives the stew its distinctive taste.
• Fresh chili (optional) – Adds a little heat if you like your meals spicy.
• Lemon – A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens up the stew.
• Olive oil – For sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Salt and pepper – To season the stew and bring everything together.

You can play around with the spices a little based on your preferences but these are the core ingredients that create the hearty, flavorful stew.

Equipment Needed

In terms of equipment, you don’t need anything fancy to pull this dish together. Here’s what you’ll use:

• Large frying pan or skillet. This will be your base for sautéing the onions, garlic and spices as well as simmering the stew.
• Wooden spoon or spatula. For stirring everything and making sure nothing burns.
• Knife – To chop the onions, garlic and chili.
• Chopping board – Of course, to prep your ingredients.
• Can opener – If you’re using canned chickpeas, you’ll need this to open them up.
• Lemon squeezer (optional) – To get that fresh juice without any seeds.
• Lid for the frying pan. This helps when you want to cover the stew as it simmers for a few minutes.

That’s all! Super minimal which means it’s great for those nights when you’re craving something fast but don’t want to deal with a ton of equipment or cleanup.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chickpea Stew 15 Minute Meals

Making this stew is as simple as it sounds. You’ll start by heating olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, toss in your chopped red onion and garlic. Let them soften up, stirring occasionally. You’ll start to smell that sweet, aromatic fragrance coming from the garlic and onion. At this point, throw in the cumin, paprika and coriander, letting them toast for about a minute. This step helps release the essential oils in the spices, giving your stew an added depth of flavor.

Once the spices are fragrant, it’s time to add the chopped tomatoes. Let them cook down for a couple of minutes until they start to break apart, forming a rich base for your stew. After that, throw in the chickpeas (drained and rinsed, if using canned), then stir everything together. Now, add a generous handful of spinach. It will wilt down super quickly, so don’t worry if it looks like a lot at first.

Let everything simmer together for a few minutes. You want to make sure the chickpeas are heated through and the flavors have melded together. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then finish it off with a squeeze of lemon juice to add a burst of freshness.

Voila! You’ve got a delicious, vibrant chickpea stew that’s ready to eat in just 15 minutes.

What I Learnt

One of the things I learned when making Jamie’s Chickpea Stew is how powerful a few pantry staples can be. I was amazed at how simple ingredients like canned chickpeas and a handful of spices could create such a flavorful dish. It really emphasizes the idea that you don’t need a million ingredients or hours of prep to create a meal that’s both nutritious and filling.

Another takeaway is how versatile this stew is. If you don’t have spinach, you can swap it for kale or even add some roasted vegetables for extra texture. The recipe’s simplicity encourages you to experiment based on what you have in your kitchen which makes it a winner for busy days or last-minute dinners.

Also, the use of spices like cumin and paprika really changed how I think about quick meals. The combination of these flavors brings a richness to the dish, making it feel like comfort food even though it’s so light and healthy.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Chickpea Stew (15 Minute Meals)

Jamie Oliver’s Chickpea Stew is already a winner in terms of flavor and simplicity but if you’re looking to switch things up, there are a ton of fun ways to customize the recipe.

1. Spice it Up: If you love a bit of heat, throw in some chili flakes or fresh chopped chili. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin to deepen the flavor. For a more exotic touch, throw in some ras el hanout or a dash of harissa paste.
2. Add Protein: If you’re looking to boost the protein content, add in some grilled chicken, tofu or even roasted sausage. They’ll pair beautifully with the chickpeas and bring more texture to the dish.
3. Vegetable Variations: The stew is flexible with veggies. Swap the spinach for kale or swiss chard or even throw in some roasted butternut squash for sweetness. Cauliflower works too, either raw or roasted.
4. Tomato Substitutes: While Jamie’s recipe uses canned tomatoes, you could use fresh tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor. A little splash of balsamic vinegar could also bring some sweetness and acidity.
5. Creamy Touch: If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of yogurt just before serving. This creates a nice contrast to the stew’s earthiness and adds richness.
6. Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro or parsley can elevate the stew right before serving. You can also sprinkle some lemon zest for a burst of brightness.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

Leftovers from Jamie Oliver’s Chickpea Stew can actually get even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. But to make sure it stays fresh:

1. Cool Down First: Let the stew cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps avoid condensation in the container that could make it soggy.
2. Airtight Container: Store leftovers in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh for about 2-3 days in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze the stew in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
3. Reheat Gently: When reheating, do it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If it looks too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. The chickpeas absorb a lot of liquid, so don’t be afraid to rehydrate the stew a bit.
4. Freezing: If you want to freeze the stew, make sure to freeze it in individual portions. This way, you can easily thaw just the amount you need without having to defrost the whole batch.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Chickpea Stew (15 Minute Meals)?

This stew is hearty enough to be a standalone meal but pairing it with a few sides can take it to another level. Here are some ideas:

1. Crusty Bread: A thick slice of sourdough or whole grain bread is perfect for dipping into the stew. You can toast it lightly and spread some butter or olive oil for extra flavor.
2. Rice or Couscous: If you prefer a more filling side, rice or couscous are great options. The stew pairs especially well with a simple pilaf or lemon-infused couscous.
3. Salad: A light, refreshing salad can balance out the rich, savory stew. Something with mixed greens, cucumber and a lemon vinaigrette would cut through the richness and brighten up the meal.
4. Yogurt: A spoonful of thick Greek yogurt on top of your stew can add some cool creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the heat and spice.
5. Grilled Veggies: Roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant or bell peppers would complement the flavors of the stew, adding smokiness and a nice texture.

FAQs

Can I Use Canned Chickpeas For Jamie Oliver’s Chickpea Stew?

Yes, canned chickpeas work perfectly fine for this recipe and save time.

What Can I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Chickpea Stew?

It goes great with crusty bread, rice, or even a side of roasted veggies.

Can I Make The Stew Spicier?

Definitely! Add more chili flakes or fresh chili to adjust the heat to your taste.