Moroccan-Style Vegetable Stew

This delicious stew looks and smells as good as it tastes.

Recipe Ingredients:

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 pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
2 large carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
14-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 (16-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 cup raw couscous, preferably whole grain

Cooking Directions:

1. 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.
2. Add the chickpeas, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes longer.
3. Meanwhile, place the couscous in an oven-proof 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. Serve at once.

Makes 6 or more servings.

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

Recipe provided courtesy of Nava Atlas; www.vegkitchen.com.