Moroccan stew with couscous

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1tablespoonVegetable oil
cupChopped onion
2Garlic cloves; minced
¾teaspoonSalt; divided
1teaspoonCinnamon, ground
½teaspoonGinger, ground
½teaspoonTumeric, ground
¼teaspoonNutmeg, ground
¼teaspoonRed pepper, ground Water
3Cloves, whole
2cupsSliced carrots
2cupsCubed butternut squash
2cupsChickpeas, cooked or canned (drained and rinsed)
cupCubed sweet potato
½cupRaisins
cupChopped dried apricots
3tablespoonsBrown sugar, packed
1cupCouscous Water
cupChopped blanched almonds

Directions

STEW

COUSCOUS

TOPPING

For the stew: In a 4-quart saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook, stirring, until softened.

Add ½ tsp. of the salt and all of the cinnamon, ginger, tumeric, nutmeg, and red pepper, stirring until absorbed. Add the water and cloves; bring to a boil. Add the carrot, squash, chickpeas, sweet potato, raisins, apricots, and brown sugar, and return to a boil.

Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, 40 to 45 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender.

For the couscous: During the last 5 minutes of cooking the stew, place the couscous in a medium-sized bowl. Add the boiling water and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Serve the stew over the couscous and top with the chopped almonds.

Source: Wholesome Harvest - by Carol Gelles (ISBN: 0-316-30735-1) Typed for you by Karen Mintzias