Middle Eastern Vegetables

Photo: flickr user stu_spivack

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

2 lrg onions chopped

2 mediums potatoes scrubbed, and

cut into 1/2" chunks

2 cups chunks (½") peeled butternut squash - (heaping)

2 lrg carrots peeled, and

cut into 1/2" dice

1 can diced tomatoes - (14 to 16 oz) undrained

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 can chickpeas - (15 1/2 oz) rinsed, drained

1 cup couscous, preferably whole wheat

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

4 scallions, white and light green parts chopped

Preparation

In soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring until softened, about 5 minutes. Add potatoes, squash, carrots, tomatoes and barely enough water to cover. Bring to a simmer, then add cumin and turmeric and simmer gently, covered, until vegetables are tender, about 25 minutes. Add chickpeas and season to taste with salt and pepper. Simmer over low heat another 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, put couscous into an ovenproof bowl and cover with 2 cups boiling water. Cover bowl and let stand 5 to 10 minutes, then fluff couscous with fork.

This recipe yields 6 to 8 servings.

Comments: There's loads of flavor in this easy-to-make stew. To save time, look for chopped, peeled butternut squash sold in bags in the produce section of large supermarkets.

Add a crunchy, cabbage-based salad and some warmed flatbread for a simple, hearty meal.