Arab-style Chickpea Stew

Ingredients

In this Arab adaptation of the Portuguese Cozido de grão, we incorporate Middle Eastern spices like saffron, cumin, and coriander to infuse the stew with distinct Arab flavors. The original dish typically includes Portuguese sausage and cabbage, which we replace with traditional Arab spices and aromatic vegetables to create a unique taste profile. We alse have the original recipe for Cozido de grão, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) dried chickpeas, soaked overnight 2 cups (400g) dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 10g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 12g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, ground cumin, ground coriander, and saffron threads. Cook for 2-3 minutes to release the flavors.
5. 5.
   Add the soaked chickpeas to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth.
6. 6.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chickpeas are tender.
7. 7.
   Season with salt to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve the Arab-style Chickpea Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chickpeas — Ensure that the dried chickpeas are soaked overnight to soften them before cooking. This will help them cook evenly and achieve a tender texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of ground cinnamon or cardamom to the stew.
• Serve the stew with warm Arabic bread or rice for a complete meal.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the stew.
• To save time, you can use canned chickpeas instead of dried ones. Just make sure to rinse them thoroughly before using.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to deepen and develop further.

Serving advice

Serve the Arab-style Chickpea Stew as a main course, accompanied by Arabic bread or rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the stew in a deep bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the chickpeas and aromatic vegetables to shine through. Drizzle a swirl of olive oil on top and sprinkle some saffron threads for an elegant touch.