Eggplant-Chickpea Stew(Bitinjan Mah Hommous)
A hearty Middle Eastern stew featuring tender chickpeas, smoky eggplant, and warm spices, perfect for comforting vegetarian meals or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the chopped onion and vegetable oil in a saucepan and cook until the onion is golden brown.
- Add the drained chickpeas and water to the saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the chickpeas are tender, approximately 30 minutes.
- While the chickpeas cook, prepare the eggplant by peeling and chopping it into cubes.
- Add the eggplant to the stew along with salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
- Add diced tomatoes or tomato paste to the stew and cook until the eggplant is tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a pinch of smoked paprika during cooking. If you don’t have dry chickpeas, you can substitute with canned chickpeas; just reduce the simmering time. To enhance the dish, you can also add diced bell peppers or zucchini along with the eggplant. This stew is a great option for those looking for vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice or couscous. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing yogurt parfait for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it appears too thick. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Eggplant-Chickpea Stew(Bitinjan Mah Hommous) contains roughly 899 calories, with 10g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value) and calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2410mg per serving (105% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen eggplant for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen eggplant. However, thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the stew, as frozen eggplant can release extra water during cooking.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add heat, you can include chopped fresh chili peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper while cooking. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference for a customized kick.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan as it contains no animal products. You can enjoy it as is or add additional vegetables for more variety while keeping it plant-based.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).