A heavenly vegan chickpea & cider stew

Loads of us are craving healthy ingredients now, and this stew, made with a slow-cooker and totally vegan, is perfect fare for a healthy start to the year.

The lavish holiday spreads have given way to humble fare, like a nourishing sweet potato black bean chili, or this rustic vegan stew. I’m craving healthy ingredients – wholegrains, lentils, root vegetables and beans – and always seeking new ways to prepare them.

A brand-new slow cooker and a resolution to cook more from my pantry this month inspired this wintery stew. It uses ingredients most of us keep on hand, such as canned chickpeas, tomato sauce, onions, garlic and a handful of raisins for a little sweetness. This stew comes together in an unceremonious chop ‘n’ dump kind of way, but the leisurely simmer in the slow-cooker transforms it into something very special indeed.

Cubes of turnip cook slowly in their garam masala-spiced sauce and turn into buttery bites that melt in the mouth. Nearly a pint of strong cider adds both acidity and sweetness to the dish, and a sprinkling of pistachios completes the stew.

It’s vegan, but easily filling enough for a main meal. Serve it up over couscous or with a wedge of crusty bread, and if you don’t mind about the dairy add a dollop of yoghurt for good measure. It’s even better on the second day, when the flavours have had time to mingle and improve their relationship, so don’t be shy about making a double batch.

Vegan slow-cooker chickpea stew

Serves 4

2 teaspoons coconut oil

1 medium sweet onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon garam masala

2 medium turnips, peeled (about 250g)

1 ½ cups hard cider

1 cup tomato sauce

1/3 cup golden raisins

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 x 540ml can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

In a medium saucepan, melt the coconut oil over a medium heat. Dice the onions and sauté in the melted oil for 3 minutes. Mince the garlic and add to the pan with the garam masala. Cook for another minute.

Transfer the onion mixture to your slow cooker. Chop the turnip into 1cm cubes and add to the onions. Combine all remaining ingredients in the slow cooker, stir well and cover with the lid.

Set the slow cooker for 5 hours on high. Slow cookers may vary, so check the stew after about 4 hours – it’s ready when the turnip is tender but not mushy.

Serve with a sprinkling of flaky salt, chopped pistachios and parsley.