This morning as I walked my kids to class it was chilly. Really chilly. Finally Autumn is finding it’s way to Southern California and I can take out my stock pot and let the cool weather cooking commence. I love this time of year and as a busy mom I think soups, stews and chilies are some of the easiest ways to get healthy food on the table. Anything I can dump in one pot, cook and be done with is perfect.
This recipe for Chicken Stew with Chickpeas and Plum Tomatoes was created by my coauthor, Wendy Jo Peterson, for the Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Dummies. The cinnamon, turmeric, ginger spice profile gives this dish that warm, spiced flavor we’re all searching for while the leaves are dropping outside. Don’t be discouraged by the hour and a half cooking time on this one. It only takes about 12 min to prep and the rest of the time it’s simmering on your stove top filling your house with cinnamon and ginger spices– yum!
You can change up the chicken if you’d like. I’ve used thighs and breasts and both taste great. Add this recipe to your Fall list, you’ll be happy you did!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 chicken thighs (or small chicken breasts)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 (14.5oz) can chickpeas, drained
- 1 large can (28oz) plum tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- ¼ cup red lentils
- ½ cup long grain rice
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
- In a large stock pot, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 3 minutes on each side. Add the onion, celery, spices, and chickpeas and cook for 3 minutes to heat spices.
- Pour in the tomatoes and chicken stock and then add in the lentils and rice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium high heat, cover and reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Stir in the lemon juice and divide stew into 6 bowls. Garnish each bowl with 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro and serve.
Check out these 8 Unexpected uses for Turmeric!
I love one pot meals! Takes the hassle out of dinner!
Looks delicious. Warm and hearty!
I can’t wait to try this! I love soups this time of year!!! <3
I love all of the different spices in this! It looks delicious!
Looks yummy!
Looks like a great recipe. Fall is my favorite season mostly for all the delicious soups I get to make. I’ll make sure to add this one to my list.
My husband would love this, looks delicious!
Yesss bring on the soups! The best comfort food!
I want some!!
Yum! Can’t beat a warm, hearty fall stew!