Chickpea, Tomato + Harissa Stew with Herby Yoghurt

The stew itself is a warm, comforting bowl of flavor that hits all the right notes. The chickpeas are tender, absorbing the spices and the sweetness from the tomatoes, while the harissa adds a perfect level of heat without overpowering the dish. It’s just enough to make your taste buds tingle, but not so much that it leaves you reaching for a glass of water. The richness of the tomatoes and the earthy chickpeas balance the boldness of the harissa beautifully, creating a stew that’s hearty and satisfying but still light enough to enjoy on any day of the week.

Then there’s the herby yogurt. The cool, tangy yogurt perfectly complements the warm, spiced stew, adding a refreshing contrast with every spoonful. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro stirred into the yogurt lend it a vibrant green color and burst of freshness, cutting through the richness of the dish and adding that little extra something that makes it sing. The yogurt isn’t just a topping; it’s a game-changer that brings the entire dish together in the most delicious way.

Every bite of this stew feels like a cozy hug from the inside out. The flavors develop over time, too, which means it’s even better the next day, giving you the perfect excuse to make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch or dinner again. This dish is one of those simple yet stunning recipes that makes you feel like you’ve just made something special with ingredients you already have in your pantry. It’s nourishing, satisfying, and packed with layers of flavor you’ll want to savor until the very last bite.

Key Ingredients in Chickpea, Tomato + Harissa Stew with Herby Yoghurt

This stew is a beautiful harmony of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering a depth of flavor that you’ll crave. From the warmth of the spices to the freshness of the herbs and tangy yogurt, every element has its place. Let’s break down the key players:

• Olive oil – The foundation of flavor, used to sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger. Its rich, fruity taste provides a perfect backdrop for the spices to bloom.
• Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the stew, creating a savory base that complements the richness of the chickpeas and tomatoes.
• Garlic – A must for adding aromatic depth and a savory kick that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Fresh ginger – Brings a touch of warmth and zing, balancing the stew’s spices and giving it a delightful, slightly peppery kick.
• Harissa paste – The star of the show, giving the stew its signature heat and smokiness. It’s the perfect amount of spice to warm you up without being overwhelming.
• Ground cumin – Earthy and slightly citrusy, cumin adds a warm, fragrant flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chickpeas.
• Ground coriander – With its lemony, floral notes, coriander adds a brightness that lightens the stew’s richness and enhances the other spices.
• Ground turmeric – The golden spice that provides warmth, earthiness, and a lovely vibrant color to the stew.
• Ground cinnamon – A subtle sweetness and warmth, cinnamon ties together the stew’s flavors and adds a comforting touch.
• Ground paprika – Mildly smoky and slightly sweet, paprika brings an additional layer of flavor that complements the harissa and spices.
• Canned chickpeas – Tender and hearty, chickpeas are the main protein in the stew. They soak up the rich spices and provide a satisfying bite.
• Diced tomatoes – The juicy, tangy base of the stew. Their acidity helps balance out the heat from the harissa while adding richness to the dish.
• Vegetable broth – A savory liquid that helps bring everything together, creating a flavorful base for the stew.
• Water – Used to adjust the consistency, ensuring the stew has the perfect balance of richness and lightness.
• Salt – Enhances and elevates all the other flavors, bringing the dish into perfect balance.
• Pepper – Adds a touch of heat and sharpness, rounding out the stew’s flavor profile.
• Fresh cilantro – This herb brings a burst of freshness with its citrusy, bright flavor, cutting through the richness of the stew.
• Fresh parsley – A fresh, slightly bitter herb that pairs well with cilantro, offering a clean, vibrant contrast to the stew’s hearty base.
• Plain Greek yogurt – Creamy and tangy, the yogurt adds a cool contrast to the warmth of the stew. It also helps mellow out the heat from the harissa and enhances the flavors with its creamy texture.
• Lemon juice – A bright, zesty addition that brings acidity and freshness to the yogurt, helping to balance the richness of the stew.
• Olive oil (for the yogurt) – A final drizzle of olive oil in the yogurt makes it silky smooth and adds an extra touch of richness, making it a perfect complement to the stew.

How to Make Chickpea, Tomato + Harissa Stew with Herby Yoghurt

Serving Suggestions for Chickpea, Tomato + Harissa Stew with Herby Yoghurt

• Serve with warm, crusty bread: The stew’s rich, flavorful broth begs for something to dip into it, and a thick slice of crusty bread is just the thing. Whether you go for a classic baguette or a hearty whole grain loaf, the bread soaks up the delicious juices, making each bite even more comforting.
• Pair with a simple green salad: To balance out the stew’s warmth and richness, serve it alongside a light, crisp salad with fresh greens. Toss in some cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a lemony vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. The crunchiness of the salad and the zingy dressing will offer the perfect bite between spoonfuls of stew.
• Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta: If you want to take the herby yogurt to the next level, try topping your stew with a little crumbled feta cheese. The salty, creamy feta pairs beautifully with the spice of the harissa and the cool yogurt, creating a perfect flavor balance that feels extra special.
• What’s your favorite way to enjoy this stew? I love how flexible it is—there’s no wrong way to serve it!

How to Store Chickpea, Tomato + Harissa Stew with Herby Yoghurt

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing this stew is a breeze! The stew itself actually gets even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together, making it the perfect dish to prep ahead.

To store the stew, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy it for lunch or dinner. Just reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through.

As for the herby yogurt, it’s best to store it separately in a small container in the fridge. It will last for about 2-3 days, but I’d recommend making it fresh each time if you can, since it’s so simple and adds that extra burst of flavor when freshly prepared.

If you want to keep things around longer, you can also freeze the stew. Just make sure to cool it completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The stew will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months, and will taste just as cozy and comforting as the day you made it!

Conclusion

And there you have it! A bowl of Chickpea, Tomato + Harissa Stew with Herby Yoghurt that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out. The tender chickpeas, the rich, spiced tomato base, and that cooling, herby yogurt come together in a way that feels both cozy and exciting at the same time. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but is so easy to make—you don’t need to be a gourmet chef to create something delicious and comforting.

Whether you’re serving it with some crusty bread, a fresh salad, or a sprinkle of feta, this stew is endlessly adaptable. It’s a dish that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for a lazy weekend meal. Plus, the leftovers? Even better the next day—if they last that long!

I’d love to hear what you think if you give this recipe a try. What’s your favorite way to enjoy this stew? Or maybe you have a fun twist of your own to add? Drop me a comment or share your feedback, and if you have any questions or need help while making it, I’m always here to help out!

Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Chickpea, Tomato + Harissa Stew with Herby Yoghurt

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 35 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr

Calories: 450

Description

This vibrant stew blends tender chickpeas, juicy tomatoes, and a bold kick of harissa for a flavorful, warming dish. Topped with a creamy herby yogurt, it’s the perfect balance of spice, freshness, and comfort in every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

• 1 tablespoon harissa paste

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground turmeric

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground paprika

• 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 2 cups diced tomatoes

• 1 cup vegetable broth

• ¹⁄₂ cup water

• Salt to taste

• Pepper to taste

• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• ¹⁄₂ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the yogurt)

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of harissa paste, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika to the pot.
5. Stir everything together, allowing the spices to toast and become aromatic for about 2 minutes.
6. Add 2 cups of canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed) to the pot, followed by 2 cups of diced tomatoes.
7. Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth and 1/2 cup of water.
8. Stir well, making sure all ingredients are combined.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Bring the stew to a simmer and cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
11. While the stew simmers, prepare the herby yogurt.
12. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
13. Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley into the yogurt mixture.
14. Once the stew has finished simmering and the flavors have melded, remove the pot from the heat.
15. Serve the stew in bowls, topping each with a generous dollop of the herby yogurt mixture.
16. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and parsley if desired.

Note

• For a richer flavor, use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of harissa paste based on your spice preference.
• To make it more hearty, add some spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
• The stew can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days for better flavor melding.
• Substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option.

Keywords: Chickpea tomato harissa stew, vegan harissa stew recipe, herby yoghurt stew, spicy chickpea stew, healthy chickpea tomato recipe