This one pot chorizo and chickpea stew is one of those wonderfully simple dinners that feels hearty and comforting without requiring hours of cooking. Smoky chorizo cooks with chickpeas, tomatoes and spinach to create a rich, warming stew that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
It’s the kind of meal I love making on busy evenings when I want something satisfying but don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen. Everything cooks together in one pot, which means plenty of flavour and very little washing up afterwards!
If you enjoy easy dinners like this, you might also like browsing my One Pan Dinner Recipes Hub, where I’ve gathered together lots of meals designed to cook entirely in a single pan.
Why Chorizo Works So Well in Quick Stews
Chorizo is one of those ingredients that can transform a dish with very little effort.
As it cooks, the sausage releases its rich, smoky oil, which becomes the base of the sauce. That oil flavours everything else in the pot – the onions, tomatoes and chickpeas – so the stew develops a surprising amount of depth for something that cooks so quickly.
This is why you don’t need lots of spices or complicated ingredients here. The chorizo does most of the flavour work!
Why Chickpeas Are Perfect for This Recipe
Chickpeas are ideal for quick stews like this because they’re already cooked and ready to use straight from the tin.
They bring a lovely creamy texture and make the stew filling enough to serve as a complete meal. Chickpeas also absorb the smoky tomato broth beautifully, which means every spoonful becomes richer as the stew cooks.
If you prefer, you could also substitute:
- butter beans
- cannellini beans
- lentils (pre-cooked)
But chickpeas tend to hold their shape best and add the nicest texture.
Ingredients, Substitutions and Variations
This recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients that work together to create a deeply satisfying stew.
- Chorizo – Chorizo is the key flavour here. Use a good quality cooking chorizo, either mild or spicy depending on your taste preference.
- Onion – Adds sweetness and balances the richness of the chorizo.
- Chickpeas – Chickpeas give the stew body and make it filling enough for dinner.
- Chopped tomatoes – Tomatoes create the base of the broth and help balance the richness of the chorizo.
- Water – Added to create the stew-like consistency of the sauce.
- Spinach – Spinach softens into the stew and adds freshness and colour.
- Parsley – A handful of chopped parsley at the end brightens the dish and balances the smoky flavours.
Tips for the Best Chorizo and Chickpea Stew
- Let the chorizo crisp slightly – Allow the chorizo to cook until it begins to crisp around the edges. This step releases the flavourful oils that form the base of the stew.
- Don’t rush the simmering stage – Even though the stew cooks quickly, giving it 10 minutes to simmer allows the flavours to develop and the chickpeas to absorb the sauce.
- Add spinach at the end – Spinach cooks very quickly. Adding it at the end keeps it bright and prevents it from becoming overcooked.
What to Serve with Chorizo and Chickpea Stew
This stew is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it’s even better with something to soak up the rich tomato broth.
Some great options include:
- crusty sourdough bread
- warm flatbreads
- buttered rice
- mashed potatoes
Bread is particularly good for mopping up the sauce.
Can This Stew Be Made Ahead?
Yes – this is actually a great recipe to make ahead.
The flavours deepen slightly as the stew sits, which means it often tastes even better the next day.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze it.
More One Pot Recipes
If you enjoy easy one-pot dinners like this, you might also like:
- One Pot Chorizo and Pea Pilaf – a quick and flavourful rice dish with smoky chorizo.
- One Pot Chicken, Bacon and Peas – a creamy and comforting chicken dinner that’s perfect for weeknights.
- One Pot Chicken and Green Olive Tagine – a fragrant chicken stew with olives and preserved lemons.
You can also browse more simple dinners in my One Pan Recipes Hub, where you’ll find plenty of meals designed for easy weeknight cooking.
One Pot Chorizo and Chickpea Stew
Ingredients
- 225 grams chorizo ring
- 1 onion
- 800 grams chickpeas tinned
- 400 grams chopped tomatoes tinned
- 500 ml water
- 200 grams spinach
- A large bunch of parsley
Instructions
- Slice the chorizo into segments about the thickness of a one pound coin and add to a casserole dish. Put it on a high heat and sizzle the chorizo until it’s crisp on both sides, then add the chopped onion.
- Allow the onion to soften for about 30 seconds.
- Add the chickpeas (drained), chopped tomatoes and water. Bring it to a simmer, and cook for about 10 minutes to soften the chickpeas.
- Add the spinach and parsley, season, and when the leaves are wilted it’s ready to serve.
Notes
Freezing and Storage
This stew freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, defrost thoroughly and bring back to a gentle simmer before serving.More one pot recipes:
- One Pot Mexican Bean Stew
- Easy One Pot Saag Paneer
- One Pot Sausage, Mushroom and Mozzarella Pasta
- One Pot Chicken, Bacon and Peas
- One Pot Bacon and Lentil Pasta
- One Pot Chorizo and Pea Pilaf
- One Pot Mushroom and Thyme Risotto
- One Pot Chicken and Green Olive Tagine
- One Pot Cheesy Pesto and Spinach Pasta
Love love love this! So warming on a cold day. The chorizo and chickpea work great together