Moroccan-Style Vegetable Stew

By Nava · On Dec 15, 2010

This delicious Moroccan-inspired stew looks as good as it tastes. It’s a wonderful way to warm up cold season dinners, with sweet sugar pumpkin or butternut squash in an aromatic broth. Adapted from Vegan Soups and Hearty Stews for All Seasons by Nava Atlas.

Serves: 6 or more

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, chopped
2 medium-large potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
2 heaping cups raw sugar pumpkin or butternut squash,
peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks (see Note)
2 large carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
14-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 teaspoons ground cumin, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
Dried hot red pepper flakes, to taste
15- to 16-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 cup raw couscous, preferably whole grain (see Note)
Minced fresh parsley for garnish

Heat the oil in a soup pot. Add the onions and sauté over moderate heat until golden.

Add the potatoes, pumpkin or squash, carrots, tomatoes, and just enough water to cover. Bring to a simmer, then add the seasonings and simmer gently, covered, for approximately 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Add the chickpeas, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes longer.

Meanwhile, place the couscous in an ovenproof bowl. Cover with 2 cups boiling water, then cover the bowl and let stand for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Place a small amount of the couscous in each soup bowl, then ladle the stew over it. Garnish each serving with parsley, if desired.

VARIATION: Substitute one large sweet potato for the white potatoes.

NOTES:

Partially prebake or microwave the squash or pumpkin, then cool until it can be handled. It will be much easier to cut and peel. Or if you’re really in a hurry, buy pre-cut butternut squash from your supermarket’s produce section.

For a gluten-free variation, substitute quinoa for the couscous. Cook 1 cup quinoa in 2 cups simmering water or broth for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.