Chorizo and Chickpea Harissa Stew with Spiralized Jicama

A Busy Mom's Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Meal: Chorizo and Chickpea Harissa Stew

Weeknights are crazy, aren't they? Between school pick-ups, homework battles, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel impossible. But I'm here to tell you it doesn't have to be! This Chorizo and Chickpea Harissa Stew with Spiralized Jicama is my go-to recipe for those evenings when I need something both satisfying and quick. It’s packed with flavor, surprisingly healthy, and comes together in under 30 minutes. The best part? It's incredibly adaptable to what you have on hand.

I stumbled upon this recipe while trying to use up some leftover chorizo. I’m always looking for ways to incorporate more vegetables into my family's diet, and the spiralized jicama adds a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory stew. The harissa paste provides a subtle warmth and complexity that elevates this dish beyond your average chickpea stew. Don't let the ingredient list intimidate you; this recipe is simpler than it looks. I often double the recipe and freeze half for another busy weeknight.

Why this recipe works for busy moms:

• Speed: The entire recipe, from prep to plating, can be completed in under 30 minutes.
• Simplicity: Minimal chopping and straightforward instructions make this a breeze even on the busiest of days.
• Flexibility: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have in your pantry. Ground chicken or turkey works well in place of chorizo. If you don’t have jicama, zucchini noodles or even regular chickpeas work equally well.
• Health Factor: This stew is packed with protein from the chickpeas and chorizo, fiber from the jicama and vegetables, and plenty of healthy fats. It's a satisfying meal that won't leave you feeling sluggish.
• Leftovers: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. The flavors actually improve overnight, making it even better for lunch the next day!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of harissa paste to your preference. Start with less and add more if you like things spicier.
• Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach.
• Protein Boost: Add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans for extra protein.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve over quinoa, rice, or couscous for a heartier meal. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt adds a lovely tangy finish.
• Make it a Sheet Pan Meal: Roast the jicama noodles alongside the stew for an even easier clean-up!

This Chorizo and Chickpea Harissa Stew isn't just a quick weeknight dinner; it's a delicious and nutritious meal that the whole family will love. So, ditch the takeout menus and give this recipe a try. You won't regret it! I promise you'll be adding it to your regular rotation.

Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add in the oil.
• Once oil heats, add in the onions, red pepper and garlic and let cook for 3-5 minutes or until onions are translucent.
• Add in the chorizo and let cook for another 2 minutes to let the chorizos release their flavor.
• Add in the chickpeas, tomatoes, broth, oregano, bay leaf, paprika, harissa, cover with a lid and allow to simmer for 15 minutes or until sauce is thickened.
• Taste and adjust with more salt, if needed.
• While the mixture cooks, peel and spiralize the jicama.
• Trim the noodles with a kitchen shear and divide into bowls.
• When chickpea mixture is cooked, top each jicama bowl with the mixture and garnish with parsley.