This delicious vegan chickpea stew gets a kick of spice from the harissa paste and is bulked out with aubergine and a rich tomato sauce. Aubergine stew is healthy and so easy to make!
I can't get over how good this stew is! Or that it's vegan, gluten free and just generally super good for you 💕

We've really overindulged this Christmas. I mean that's fine - it's what you're meant to do over the festive season and we had a lovely time but now I'm back at work and ready to reel it back in somewhat.
I don't like to get too controlling with what I eat so when I've been eating and drinking a lot for a few weeks I just like to start serving up healthy dinners like this harissa aubergine stew to keep me full and satisfied.
Oh, and speaking of which, I just posted 31 healthy dinner recipes to make in January and there are some amazing ideas in there for getting things back on track this month.
Anyway, back to this stew, it's one of those super simple recipes which uses a few really flavourful ingredients to make something really delicious.
Harissa is one of my absolute favourite ingredients to add so much flavour to all kinds of dishes. It works really well in this sheet pan harissa chicken and potatoes as well as a dressing ingredient for this harissa halloumi salad.
I'll link to my favourite brand below but if you'd like to make your own then Simply Delicious has a wonderful recipe for homemade harissa.
Why we love this recipe
It's a healthy vegan recipe which is perfect for serving up for an easy weeknight dinner guaranteed to warm you up
This stew is also gluten free so it's great for anyone with dietary restrictions
It's easy to customise according to what you like and you can add any extra veggies you like to make it even healthier
There's also so many ways you can serve this stew whether it's with rice, couscous or another grain of your choosing, it's super versatile
Ingredients:
- Chickpeas: I used tinned ones drained and rinsed but feel free to soak and cook dried ones if you prefer
- Aubergine: One of my favourite vegetables and the perfect one for bulking up healthy stews like this one. If you love it too then check out all my other aubergine recipes or try this aubergine parmigiana
- Harissa Paste: Store bought or homemade
- Herbs: I love to stir through a big bunch of fresh herbs at the end of cooking, I went with parsley and dill but any leafy herbs would work well. Leftover dill can be used in these salmon burgers
- Lemon Juice: The perfect thing to add a little zing just before serving
How to make it
- Cook the vegetables: Heat the oil and add the onion then cook for 5 minutes and add the aubergine and garlic.
- Add the liquids: Stir the harissa paste into the vegetables then pour in the stock and tomatoes.
- Simmer: Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes then add the chickpeas, juice of a lemon and chopped herbs.
- Serve!
Variations:
- Add more vegetables: If you want to up the veg content then I think some spinach or kale stirred through the stew would be really delicious
- Use different herbs: I think a handful of fresh herbs stirred through at the end of cooking really brings this stew to life, if you're not a fan of dill and parsley then try coriander or basil
- Switch up the flavour: Instead of harissa you could try some different spices, smoked paprika would be so good
FAQs
How long does it take to cook aubergine in a stew?
The best thing about this stew is how soft and tender the aubergine is. It takes about half an hour to get the aubergine soft and ready to eat.
How do you prepare aubergines before cooking?
In the past recipes would instruct you to salt aubergine before cooking to remove any bitterness but that isn't really necessary any more. Simply chop and you're ready to cook!
Want more? Try these other vegan recipes!
- Vegan Lemon Risotto
- Roasted Red Pepper Soup with White Beans
- Vegan Enchiladas
- Vegetable Tagine with Chickpeas
- 15 Minute Chilli Garlic Brown Rice Noodles
- Pressure Cooker Curry with Potato & Aubergine
Or try out some of these other chickpea recipes!
Harissa Chickpea Stew with Aubergine
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Onion chopped
- 1 Aubergine chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic crushed
- 2 tablespoon Harissa Paste
- 1 400g tin Chickpeas
- Salt and Pepper
- 1 400g tin Chopped Tomatoes
- 250 ml Vegetable Stock
- 1 Lemon
- Bunch Parsley chopped
- Bunch Dill chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil over a medium heat and add the onion, cook for 5 minutes then add the aubergine and garlic. Fry until everything is softened. Add the harissa pasta and stir so that all the vegetables are coated then add the tomatoes and stock.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes until the aubergine is really soft then add the chickpeas and the juice of a lemon. Stir parsley and dill through. Serve over couscous or another grain of your choice.
Notes
Like the look of this recipe? Make sure you pin it for later!
Natalie says
Looks so delicious and comforting! Can't wait to try this recipe ♥
Nathan Wyper says
This looks like such a delicious and healthy recipe, Perfect for this time of years! Need to try this!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
What a tasty looking stew, such a filling and tasty dinner option!
Kelly Anthony says
This harissa chickpea stew screams comfort food. This will be perfect to cook on a cold winter day and I can't wait to make it for my family.
Cathy says
Really love chickpeas, what a great and delicious way to incorporate them into an even a healthier dish!
Veena Azmanov says
Love the look of this healthy and delicious recipe. The combination of ingredients used in this recipe are amazing. Sure to try this dish.
Danielle Wolter says
This looks just incredible. Like the most comforting comfort food. I am just in love with chickpeas and thick, spicy stews like this!
Kelly Anthony says
Your pictures really highlight your harissa chickpea stew. It looks full of flavor and rich in color.
Sharon Chen says
Very healthy! It has my favorite veggies. Would definitely try this too
kim says
Love this recipe in the winter! So much flavor and so cozy!