Easy Crockpot Chickpea Stew with Smoked Sausage

I love this easy “set it and forget it” chickpea stew because it is not only easy to make but is super delicious, high in protein, and healthy as well. I have made it too many times to count. It is perfect for those days when you know the evening will be hectic. 

Sidestep an overwhelming weeknight by throwing this quick meal together in the morning or afternoon using a crockpot or Insta Pot. It’s a savory Mediterranean-inspired meal with smoked sausage and carrots in a robust sauce.

I am pretty sure that our family eats more chickpeas than the average family. At any given time, I’ve got at least 4 cans of them sitting in my pantry. We are all weirdly crazy about them.  

On busy weekdays, nothing beats coming home to the welcoming aroma of a home-cooked meal that’s been simmering all day. This savory chickpea stew with smoked sausage is exactly that kind of dish – a satisfying meal that practically cooks itself in your crockpot or Instant Pot. All you need to do is dump everything together and let it do its magic.

Chunks of smoky sausage add a rich, robust flavor. From a nutritional standpoint, this stew gets a lot of stars. Chickpeas are loaded with fiber and plant-based protein; they’re also rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and potassium. Combined with the protein from the sausage and the vitamins from the carrots, you’ve got a complete meal that satisfies both hunger and nutritional needs.

Here’s how to prepare this savory chickpea stew in your crockpot:

Start by slicing your smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces, about 1/2 inch thick. Add them to a large skillet and sauté them until lightly brown on both sides, drain if needed, and add to the crockpot. 

Chop the veggies

Chop the onion and the garlic using a food processor or hand chopper.

Combine

Add the drained chickpeas, tomato sauce, and chopped onion. Add the cooking sherry or wine, and all the herbs and spices – oregano, cumin, thyme, and bay leaves. Finally, add the baby carrots. (See the variation suggestion below).

Give everything a good stir.

Cover and cook

Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The stew is ready when the carrots are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Before serving, remove the bay leaves and give the stew a final stir. This stew is wonderful served on its own, but it’s also delicious with crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

This recipe serves 4-5 people, and leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In fact, many find that the flavors improve after a day or two, making this an excellent meal prep option.

Enjoy!

This smoked sausage chickpea stew delivers on all fronts. It’s proof that healthy, super flavorful, and satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to prepare.

Easy Crockpot Chickpea Stew with Smoked Sausage Ingredients:

• 2 15 oz cans of chickpeas, drained
• 1 lb smoked beef or pork sausage
• 2 15 oz cans of tomato sauce
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup cooking sherry or wine
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 large cloves of garlic, chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano, crushed
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of thyme, crushed
• one package (1 lb) large baby carrots  

Variation: Add a 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives to the crockpot to give the dish even more Mediterranean flavor.

This is the perfect dinner to add to your easy ADHD friendly meal planning. If you are looking for other easy crockpot meals, check out my Easy Beef Stroganoff or 4 Ingredient Creamy Italian Crockpot Chicken recipes.

A meal planning system that will pay for itself in:

Reduced grocery bills, saved mental energy, less food waste, fewer trips to the grocery store, more family time, better nutrition, and a more organized pantry.