Healthy Crockpot Moroccan Lentil Chickpeas

Name: Healthy Crockpot Moroccan Lentil Chickpeas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon Moroccan spice blend; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Instant Inspiration

I absolutely love cooking with my crockpot because it makes meal prep so much easier, especially on busy days. This Healthy Crockpot Moroccan Lentil Chickpeas dish is one of my favorites because it’s packed with flavor, nutrients, and is incredibly easy to throw together. The blend of spices combined with the lentils and chickpeas creates a harmony of taste that reminds me of warm Moroccan markets. Plus, being a one-pot dish, it makes for easy clean-up, which is always a bonus in my kitchen!

Created by

Olwen Bradford

Last updated on 2026-01-14T02:21:34.540Z

When we first discovered this crokpot recipe for Moroccan lentil and chickpeas, I was skeptical about how flavorful it would actually be. But after the first bite, I was hooked! The unique blend of spices infuses the dish with incredible depth, and it's so satisfying to know that it's also healthy. We like to serve it over quinoa or with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.

One detail that really elevates this dish is the addition of diced tomatoes and fresh herbs before serving. It brightens up the flavors and adds a burst of freshness that complements the hearty lentils perfectly. We’ve made this a weekly staple in our house!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Packed with protein from lentils and chickpeas
Vibrant Moroccan spices for an exotic flavor
Perfect for meal prep and freezes well

Understanding the Ingredients

The star ingredients of this dish, lentils and chickpeas, not only provide a hearty texture but also deliver an impressive amount of protein and fiber. This combination keeps you feeling satisfied and energized throughout the day. For lentils, I prefer using green or brown lentils due to their robust nature that holds up well in slow cooking. However, if you're in a pinch, red lentils can also work but will break down more, creating a creamier texture.

Chickpeas contribute a nutty flavor that balances perfectly with the earthy taste of lentils. When selecting canned chickpeas, opt for low-sodium varieties, allowing you to control the saltiness of the dish while still enjoying their creamy goodness. If you have dried chickpeas on hand, they can be used; just remember to soak them overnight and increase the cooking time accordingly.

Cooking Technique Tips

Cooking in a crockpot allows for a low and slow method that enhances the flavors of the spices used. The Moroccan spice blend typically includes cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, among others. I recommend testing your spice blend first; you may wish to toast them in a dry skillet for a few minutes until they're fragrant—this step can intensify the flavors remarkably before adding them to the crockpot.

Another key technique is ensuring you layer the ingredients properly in the crockpot. Start with the umami-rich base ingredients like onions and garlic at the bottom to prevent them from burning while the lentils cook. A good rule of thumb is to keep the texture in mind; you want the vegetables to be tender but not mushy by the end of cooking.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make this wholesome dish:

Main Ingredients

1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon Moroccan spice blend
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Make sure to adjust the seasoning according to your taste!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delightful dish:

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the lentils, chickpeas, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and the Moroccan spice blend. Mix well.

Add to the Crockpot

Transfer the mixture to your crockpot and pour in the vegetable broth. Stir everything together until well combined.

Season and Cook

Season with salt and pepper as needed. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the lentils are tender.

Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, give the dish a good stir and serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Enjoy this healthy and aromatic dish with your family!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.

Make-Ahead and Storage

One of the great aspects of this Healthy Crockpot Moroccan Lentil Chickpeas recipe is its make-ahead potential. You can prepare all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just transfer everything to the crockpot and enjoy the aroma fill your kitchen while you go about your day. This not only saves time but allows for deeper flavor development as the ingredients mingle overnight.

If you have leftovers, they can be easily stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to five days. This dish also freezes exceptionally well. Just let it cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe bags or containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed to loosen the texture.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with warm crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy couscous or quinoa. These grains can absorb the savory juices of the lentils and chickpeas, making for a satisfying dish. Additionally, a dollop of yogurt on top can add creaminess and a wonderful contrast to the spices.

Don’t hesitate to elevate the dish with garnishes! Fresh herbs like parsley or mint can beautifully complement the Moroccan flavors while adding a pop of color. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of harissa can bring an extra kick that balances perfectly with the richness of the lentils.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?

Yes, you can use canned lentils but reduce the cooking time to avoid mushy lentils.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients are gluten-free, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to include any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers or zucchini.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.