Slow-Cooker Mediterranean Diet Stew

With a focus on vegetables, fiber-rich legumes and healthy fats, this slow-cooker stew fits the bill for those following the Mediterranean diet. Swap out the chickpeas for white beans for a different twist, or try collards or spinach in place of the kale. A drizzle of olive oil to finish pulls together the flavors of this easy vegan crock pot stew.

Prep Time: Additional Time: Total Time: 15 mins 6 hrs 30 mins 6 hrs 45 mins

Servings: Yield: 6 6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 (14 ounce) cans no-salt-added fire-roasted diced tomatoes

• 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

• 1 cup coarsely chopped onion

• ¾ cup chopped carrot

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ¾ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper

• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

• 1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added chickpeas, rinsed, divided

• 1 bunch lacinato kale, stemmed and chopped (about 8 cups)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (Optional)

• Fresh basil leaves, torn if large

• 6 lemon wedges (Optional)

Directions

1. Combine tomatoes, broth, onion, carrot, garlic, oregano, salt, crushed red pepper and pepper in a 4-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours.
   

2. Measure 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons chickpeas; mash with a fork until smooth.
   

3. Add the mashed chickpeas, kale, lemon juice and remaining whole chickpeas to the mixture in the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on Low until the kale is tender, about 30 minutes.
   

4. Ladle the stew evenly into 6 bowls; drizzle with oil. Garnish with basil. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Tips

Equipment: 4-qt. slow cooker

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

191 8g 23g 6g

Calories Fat Carbs Protein