Easy Low Spoon Chickpea Stew (Slow Cooker Recipe)
Living with chronic illness means some days you just don’t have the energy to stand in the kitchen — but that doesn’t mean you should go without a warm, nourishing meal.
This slow cooker chickpea stew is the ultimate low spoon recipe: easy to prep, full of flavour, and made with minimal effort. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, POTS, or any condition that zaps your energy, this one’s for you 💛
Why This Recipe Is Spoonie-Friendly
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One spoon of effort — no chopping needed if you use frozen/pre-diced veg
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Hands-off — let your slow cooker do the work
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Nourishing and budget-friendly
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Cosy and comforting on flare days
Ingredients
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1 tin (400g) chickpeas – drained and rinsed
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1 tin (400g) chopped tomatoes
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1 small onion – finely chopped (or use frozen diced onion)
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1–2 cloves garlic – minced (or garlic paste)
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp paprika (optional)
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A handful of spinach or kale (fresh or frozen)
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1 tsp vegetable stock powder (or ½ cube)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional extras: sweet potato cubes, olive oil, lemon juice, chilli flakes
🥄 Instructions
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Add all ingredients to your slow cooker and stir gently.
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Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
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If using fresh spinach, stir it in during the final 10 minutes.
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Adjust seasoning and serve with toast, yoghurt, or rice if desired.
Easy Substitutions
| If You Don’t Have… | Swap For This |
|---|---|
| Chickpeas | Lentils or white beans |
| Spinach | Kale or skip it entirely |
| Garlic cloves | Garlic paste or granules |
| Chopped tomatoes | Passata or pasta sauce |
Tips for Cooking with Chronic Illness
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Use frozen or pre-chopped veg to save time and energy
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Batch-cook and freeze extras for future flare days
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Use a slow cooker liner for quick cleanup
Because Disability Doesn’t Have to Be Boring
At Chronically Sick Mama, we’re passionate about creating tools and moments that bring comfort and joy to life with chronic illness. From Wellness Helpers to fun, non-medical looking aids — we’re here for the flares, the fatigue, and everything in between.
💌 Join us on Instagram @chronicallysickmama for more spoonie-friendly support and life hacks.
📌 Pin this recipe or save it for later — because warm food shouldn’t feel out of reach.