Lemon Chickpea & Tomato Stew | Made by Meaghan Moineau
**Title: A Hearty Bowl of Nostalgia: Lemon Chickpea & Tomato Stew**
**Description:** Dive into the comforting flavors of our Lemon Chickpea & Tomato Stew, a dish that brings together the warmth of family memories and the zest of fresh ingredients. Perfectly seasoned and simmered to perfection, this stew is not only a nourishing main dish but also a delightful journey down memory lane. With a difficulty rating of 4 out of 10, it's an accessible recipe that promises rich, vibrant flavors with every spoonful.
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**Lemon Chickpea & Tomato Stew: A Recipe Steeped in Family Tradition**
There's something inherently comforting about a simmering pot of stew. The aroma fills the kitchen, wrapping itself around you like a warm embrace. For me, this Lemon Chickpea & Tomato Stew does just that, conjuring memories of Sunday afternoons spent in my grandmother's kitchen, a place where the magic of food and family came to life.
**Ingredients:**
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño chili, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves, broken
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Zest of 1 fresh lemon
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
- 1 cup dried oven tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté the Aromatics:** In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic, cooking until soft and aromatic, about 5 minutes. This step always reminds me of how my grandmother would patiently stir, telling stories of her childhood.
2. **Infuse with Spice:** Stir in the chickpeas, jalapeño, oregano, bay leaves, and crushed red pepper. Season generously with salt and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the herbs release their fragrance and the chickpeas start to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Be cautious, as those adventurous chickpeas might jump out — a quirk my siblings and I used to find hilarious.
3. **Build the Stew:** Pour in the chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the broth is reduced by half, about 20 minutes. This was the time my grandmother would share her wisdom, the gentle bubbling of the stew a soothing backdrop.
4. **Final Touches:** Stir in the dried oven tomatoes, additional garlic if desired, and fresh spinach. Allow the stew to simmer for another 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaves before serving.
5. **Serve and Enjoy:** Season the stew with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
**Difficulty Rating: 4/10**
**Classification: Main Dish**
As an adult, recreating this recipe has become a cherished ritual, a way to connect with those cherished family moments. It's not just about the delicious result — though that's certainly a perk — but about the process, the stories, and the love stirred into every pot. Whether you're sharing this meal with loved ones or enjoying it as a solo indulgence, may it bring warmth and a touch of nostalgia to your table.