Moroccan Lentil and Chickpea Stew
This is my most spice-forward plant-based stew, combining lentils and chickpeas for double the plant protein and leaning on warm Moroccan spices instead of the usual chili powder. It's a good change of pace from my other bean-based chilis.
Lentils and chickpeas together give this stew two different textures, with the lentils breaking down while the chickpeas hold their shape. Cinnamon alongside the savory spices is what makes this taste distinctly Moroccan instead of like a basic chili.
This is one of the most fiber-rich meals I make, between the lentils, chickpeas, and all the vegetables. Like most stews, it only gets better after a day or two once the spices have more time to develop.
The recipe card has the full ingredient list and simmer time for the entire ten-portion batch. Let the stew cool before portioning it into containers, then refrigerate what you'll eat within four days and freeze the rest. This Moroccan stew is one of the more distinct plant-based meals in my rotation.
Nutrition note: This is general food information, not individualized medical or nutrition advice.
Moroccan Lentil and Chickpea Stew
YIELD
10 portions
ESTIMATED NUTRITION
490 calories • 28g protein • 81g carbs • 7g fat per portion
What I really like about this recipe is how different the warm Moroccan spices make it taste from my usual chili.
Ingredients
• 3 3/4 cups dry lentils
• 3 3/4 cans chickpeas, drained
• 2 1/2 cans diced tomatoes
• 5 cups diced carrots
• 2 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 5 tbsp ras el hanout or Moroccan spice blend
• 10 cups vegetable broth
Directions
1. Sauté the onion and carrots until softened, about 8 minutes.
2. Add the lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, spices, and broth; bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer 25–30 minutes, until the lentils are tender.
4. Let the food cool briefly, then divide it evenly among 10 airtight meal-prep containers.
Meal-prep notes: Refrigerate promptly and use refrigerated portions within 3–4 days; freeze any portions you will not eat in that window. Reheat hot meals until steaming. Nutrition is estimated per portion.
