If you’re searching for a warm, comforting meal that comes together in no time, you’re going to adore this Fast Chorizo Chickpea Stew Recipe. It combines the smoky, spicy charm of chorizo with the hearty, creamy texture of chickpeas, all simmered in a rich tomato base seasoned with fragrant herbs and spices. This dish delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures without requiring hours in the kitchen, making it perfect for busy weeknights or an effortless weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to bring this stew to life. Each one plays its part, whether it’s boosting depth, adding brightness, or creating that irresistible stew texture you’ll want seconds of.
- Olive oil: For a smooth sauté that intensifies the chorizo’s flavor.
- Chorizo: Choose quality spicy or smoked chorizo to provide that signature smoky heat and rich meaty goodness.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic gives a pungent, aromatic boost that lifts the whole dish.
- Dried thyme: A subtle herbaceous note that balances the robust spices.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a deep, smoky warmth—feel free to swap for regular paprika if needed, but smoked is the star here.
- Bay leaf: Infuses that unmistakable earthy fragrance during simmering.
- Crushed tomato: Creates a luscious, tangy base that ties everything together beautifully.
- Chickpeas: The hearty legume that brings creaminess and a wonderful bite to the stew.
- Chicken stock or broth: Low sodium variety keeps control of the salt while enriching the stew’s depth.
- Cooking/kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild bite and warming spice to finish off the flavor profile.
How to Make Fast Chorizo Chickpea Stew Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chorizo to Golden Perfection
Start by heating olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add your sliced chorizo pieces and cook them for about three minutes until they turn beautifully golden and release their rich, smoky oils. This is the moment the stew picks up its signature flavor foundation, so let the chorizo shine.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Spices
Next, toss in the minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and that all-important bay leaf. Stir everything together for one minute, allowing the spices and herbs to bloom and marry with the chorizo oil. This step fills the kitchen with such an inviting aroma you’ll be even more excited to dig in.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Stock
Now it’s time for the heart of the stew. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, drained chickpeas, and chicken stock. Sprinkle in the salt and pepper, then stir everything to combine. Bring it all to a gentle simmer before lowering the heat to medium-low so it simmers slowly and those flavors meld perfectly.
Step 4: Let the Flavors Reduce and Intensify
Allow the stew to cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring regularly so nothing sticks to the bottom. This gentle simmer thickens the sauce wonderfully while concentrating the flavors into that luscious, hearty stew you’re craving.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the bay leaf, give the stew one final stir, and it’s ready to plate. I absolutely love serving this with bright, crusty bread smothered with a bit of butter to soak up every last drop. It’s a hands-on, deeply satisfying meal that feels both cozy and vibrant.
How to Serve Fast Chorizo Chickpea Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a handful of finely chopped cilantro on top for a fresh burst of color and brightness. If you like a bit of heat, add a few red chili flakes or drizzle a splash of good quality olive oil just before serving.
Side Dishes
This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread, as mentioned, but you can also serve it alongside a simple green salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or steamed rice are excellent companions that soak up the stew’s delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling fancy, serve the stew in rustic earthenware bowls to highlight its vibrant colors. For a casual gathering, consider putting the stew in a bread bowl, hollowed out from a round loaf, which gives an interactive, cozy dining experience your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The stew actually benefits from sitting, as the flavors continue to deepen and meld together while chilled.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and keep it frozen for up to two months. Just make sure to cool the stew completely before freezing to preserve the texture and taste.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy the stew again, reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and add a splash of water or stock if the sauce has thickened too much. Reheating slowly brings back all those wonderful layered flavors without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage instead of chorizo?
Absolutely! While chorizo is key for the signature smoky, spicy flavor, you can substitute with other flavorful sausages like kielbasa or spicy Italian sausage. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will shift slightly, but it’ll still be delicious.
Is this stew suitable for vegetarians?
This particular Fast Chorizo Chickpea Stew Recipe relies on chorizo, so it isn’t vegetarian. However, you could omit the chorizo and add smoked paprika and a dash of liquid smoke for a vegetarian-friendly version that retains a smoky essence.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This stew is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your chicken stock and chorizo do not contain gluten additives. Always check the labels to be safe.
What can I use instead of chickpeas?
Feel free to swap chickpeas for other beans like cannellini, black beans, or even lentils based on what you have on hand. Each choice brings a slightly different texture but will work nicely in the stew.
How spicy is this stew?
The stew has a pleasant warmth from the chorizo and smoked paprika but isn’t overwhelmingly spicy. If you want it hotter, add some chili flakes or fresh chopped chili when sautéing the aromatics.
Final Thoughts
This Fast Chorizo Chickpea Stew Recipe is a total winner when you want a nourishing meal without a fuss. It’s full of personality, comforting textures, and flavors that sing, yet it comes together quickly to suit any busy lifestyle. Give it a try, and it might just become your go-to dish for those days when you want that cozy, soulful taste on the table in a flash.
Print
Fast Chorizo Chickpea Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
Description
This hearty Chorizo Chickpea Stew is a quick and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy evenings. Packed with spicy chorizo, tender chickpeas, and fragrant herbs, it simmers to a thick, comforting stew that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 250g / 8 oz chorizo (2 pieces), cut into 8mm / 1/3″ slices
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (substitute with normal paprika if unavailable)
- 1 bay leaf, preferably fresh, otherwise dried
- 400g / 14 oz can crushed tomato
- 400g / 14 oz can chickpeas, drained (or other beans of choice)
- 1 cup chicken stock/broth, low sodium
- 1/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté chorizo: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or small pot over medium-high heat. Add sliced chorizo and cook for about 3 minutes or until golden and slightly crispy, releasing its flavorful oils.
- Sauté aromatics: Add minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and bay leaf to the pan. Stir continuously for 1 minute to let the spices become fragrant without burning.
- Add remaining ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomato, drained chickpeas, and chicken stock. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir everything well, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the stew: Reduce the heat to medium-low so the stew simmers very gently. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent the stew from sticking to the base of the pan. Allow the sauce to reduce and thicken into a rich, hearty consistency.
- Serve: Remove and discard the bay leaf. Serve the stew hot, ideally with crusty bread slathered with butter for dipping and mopping up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chorizo with smoked paprika and additional vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms.
- If fresh bay leaves are not available, dried bay leaves work fine but use about half the amount as they are more potent.
- Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or spicy chorizo according to your preference.
- This stew stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and the flavors intensify after resting.
- Low sodium chicken stock is recommended to control salt levels, but adjust seasoning to taste.
