Crock Pot Indian Spiced Chickpea Stew

That is quite a long title for quite an easy dish. This isn't the easiest crock pot thing I make because it requires (wait for it) the chopping of TWO vegetables.  So seriously, it is pretty easy in the scheme of things. I like to make this while my kids eat breakfast and let it simmer on low all day long. By lunch my house smells like our favorite Indian Restaurant downtown.  I will definitely include the link to the original recipe. I had to modify a bit yesterday because I didn't have all ingredients on hand, but that is the beauty of this recipe - you can really make it to fit your style.

Here's What You Need:

• 2 cups water and 2 cups veggie broth (or really just 4-5 cups of liquid)
• 1 can diced tomatoes 
• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 medium sweet potato, chopped
• 1-2 stalks celery chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric 
• (Ok I messed around with these because they are my favorite spices - check the original recipe for other alternatives)
• salt, to taste
• 
  
  

Here's What You Do:

-  Chop your veggies

-  Put everything in the crock pot

-  Cook on low for 6-9 hours

I also whipped up a side of home made hummus for this. I threw a tablespoon or two on top of each bowl of soup and WOW!  Adding the hummus really gave it a kick of flavor and made the soup smooth (that is the only way I can describe it).  The hummus was super simple and any of your favorite hummus recipes would do.  I will write up my favorite one as I perfect it - it isn't quite right yet....

Ok confession time. I made this on a Thursday night - the night I teach a class at our local YMCA. When I walk in the door I am ravenous from the exercise and kids are ready to eat too. I forgot the after picture because I dove right in to eating.  But just imagine those veggies very tender and the quinoa cooked just right. I am hungry just thinking about it.

I served this with our grocery store bakery's Nann bread, a spinach salad, and fruit.  Seriously one of my favorite meals.  Now let's be honest, my kids are not going to eat this one...but sometimes I want to have an adventurous meal and I'll fix them a side of mac and cheese. Pick your battles right??

Enjoy this one and let me know how you fix it up!

Original recipe here:

http://healthyslowcooking.com/2012/01/31/slow-cooker-indian-spiced-chickpea-quinoa-stew/

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