Description

A hearty and flavorful Slow Cooker Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew that combines tender sweet potatoes, protein-rich chickpeas, and vibrant baby spinach in a fragrant blend of spices. Perfect for a nutritious and comforting meal, this stew can be prepared in a slow cooker, on the stovetop, or in an Instant Pot, making it versatile and easy to fit into any busy schedule.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Beans

1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 15 oz cans garbanzo beans (drained)
1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
4 cups fresh baby spinach
1 tablespoon garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings

1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Liquids

4 cups fat-free vegetable broth

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Instructions

Microwave Onions: Place the chopped onions in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 2 to 3 minutes to soften and enhance their sweetness.
Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Combine the microwaved onions, drained garbanzo beans, peeled and chopped sweet potatoes, minced garlic, Kosher salt, black pepper, ground ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, and vegetable broth into your slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the sweet potatoes are tender and flavors meld together.
Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh baby spinach leaves into the stew.
Cook Additional Time: Continue cooking on high for an additional 15 minutes until the spinach has wilted and is well incorporated.
Stovetop Alternative: In a pot, add all ingredients except the spinach and cook over medium-low heat for 35 to 40 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes, adding more broth if liquid reduces too much. For best flavor, you may sweat the garlic and onions first in a teaspoon of olive oil. Add the spinach during the last 2 minutes to wilt.
Instant Pot Alternative: Combine all ingredients except spinach and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Perform a quick release, then stir in spinach and let sit covered for 2 minutes until wilted. For enhanced flavor, sweat garlic and onions first with a teaspoon of olive oil before adding remaining ingredients.

Notes

You can sweat the garlic and onions first with a teaspoon of olive oil to deepen the flavors regardless of cooking method.
The recipe is versatile and can be made in a slow cooker, stovetop, or Instant Pot depending on your time and equipment.
Feel free to adjust spices to taste or add additional vegetables like carrots or celery for variation.
If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach desired consistency.
This stew is best served hot and makes great leftovers for meal prep.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Stew
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Vegetarian