Batch cooking is one of the easiest ways to save time and money in the kitchen — and there’s real comfort in knowing there’s another homemade meal waiting in the freezer for a day when cooking is the last thing you feel like doing. This warming chickpea stew, made with budget-friendly mince, ticks all those boxes. It’s full of flavour, simple to put together, and stretches to feed a crowd.
This recipe makes a generous batch, so it’s ideal for freezing. Eat half now and pop the rest in the freezer for a filling, ready-made dinner on a busier day.
It’s also easy to adapt to what you have on hand. Beef mince works beautifully, but turkey or chicken mince are just as good if that’s what’s in your fridge.
You may also enjoy: Cheap Chickpea Recipes That Are Packed with Flavour (and Protein!)
Warming Chickpea Stew Recipe
Serves 8
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb minced meat (beef works well)
- 1/2 tsp ground dried paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 400g tinned tomatoes (or 350g passata)
- 400g tinned chickpeas, strained (about 300g chickpea weight once drained)
- 250g frozen sweetcorn
Method
1. Take a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or deep frying pan and heat until smoking hot. Fry the mince with no added oil (if using chicken or turkey mince, add a small amount of sunflower oil first). Cook until the mince is golden brown and crispy in places.
2. Once the meat has coloured, add the dried spices and stir to coat. Keep stirring for about 3 minutes to release the aromas.
3. Pour in the tinned tomatoes and chickpeas, then add the sweetcorn.
4. Turn down the heat and bring everything to a slow simmer. Cover the pan and cook for 30 minutes before serving.
5. Serve with crusty bread, steamed rice, or boiled potatoes — all work well alongside this stew.
A note on seasoning: salt hasn’t been added to this recipe, so taste and season before serving to suit your family.
This recipe, and more like it, is available on Wholesome Ireland.
You may also enjoy: Super Tasty and Easy Store Cupboard Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this chickpea stew?
Yes — this recipe is designed with batch cooking in mind. Let the stew cool fully, then freeze in portioned containers for an easy meal on a busier day. Defrost thoroughly and reheat until piping hot before serving.
Can I use a different mince?
Absolutely. Beef mince gives a rich flavour, but turkey or chicken mince both work well as lighter alternatives. If using turkey or chicken, add a little sunflower oil to the pan since these mince types release less fat than beef.
Do I need to soak dried chickpeas for this recipe?
No — this recipe uses tinned chickpeas, which just need to be drained and rinsed before adding to the pan, making it a quick, no-fuss midweek meal.
What can I serve with this stew?
Crusty bread, steamed rice, or boiled potatoes all pair nicely and help make the meal more filling.
Related Articles
- Cheap Chickpea Recipes That Are Packed with Flavour (and Protein!)
- Super Tasty and Easy Store Cupboard Recipes
- More budget-friendly family dinner ideas
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