Mediterranean Spiced Chickpea Vegetable Stew

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This is an important step as it helps to release the aroma and taste from your ingredients for maximum flavor.

Once the oil is hot, add the onion and garlic. Cook them until they are soft, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This process is called sweating and it's essential in cooking as it draws out the flavors from the onion and garlic.

After the onion and garlic have softened, stir in the carrots and bell pepper. Cook them for around 5 minutes until they have slightly softened. Adding these vegetables at this stage allows them to absorb the flavors from the onion and garlic.

Pour in the diced tomatoes, drained chickpeas, vegetable broth, cumin, turmeric, and smoked paprika. These spices will give your stew a warming and comforting taste with a quintessential Mediterranean flavor.

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Allowing the stew to simmer slowly will ensure every ingredient is thoroughly cooked, and all the flavors combine to create an amazing taste.

After simmering, add the chopped parsley and season to taste with salt and pepper. Adding the parsley towards the end of cooking will keep its flavor fresh and vibrant in the finished dish.

Serve your Mediterranean Chickpea Stew in bowls, garnished with a slice of lemon and a sprinkle of feta cheese on top. The lemon provides a tangy contrast to the richness of the stew, while the feta cheese adds a touch of creaminess.