This hearty and flavorful stew combines chickpeas and tomatoes with aromatic spices for a comforting dish.
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Using extra virgin olive oil adds a rich flavor to the base of the stew.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until softened and fragrant.
Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning, which can make it bitter.
Stir in the smoked paprika and ground cumin, cooking for an additional minute to toast the spices.
Toasting the spices enhances their aroma and depth of flavor.
Add the chickpeas and diced tomatoes to the pan, stirring to combine.
If using canned chickpeas, rinse and drain them first to reduce sodium content.
Season with salt and black pepper, then cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Remove the lid and cook for an additional 2 minutes to thicken the stew slightly.
If you prefer a thicker stew, mash some of the chickpeas with the back of a spoon.
Serve the stew warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Fresh parsley or cilantro makes an excellent garnish for added freshness.