Moroccan Braised Carrots, Squash & Chick Peas with Couscous

Name: Moroccan Braised Carrots, Squash & Chick Peas with Couscous
Ingredients: a drizzle of canola or olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, crushed; 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; 2 tsp sweet paprika; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper; ½ tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp tumeric; 1/8-1/4 tsp. dried chili flakes; 1 19 oz. (540 mL) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed; 3-4 carrots, peeled or scrubbed and sliced ½” thick; 1 19 oz. (540 mL) can chick peas, rinsed and drained; ⅓ cup golden raisins; plain yogurt, for serving with (optional); ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro or mint, or toasted sliced almonds to sprinkle overtop (optional); 1 cup couscous (plain or whole wheat)

AuthorJulie

Yields1 Serving

a drizzle of canola or olive oil

1 onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, crushed

1 tbsp grated fresh ginger

2 tsp sweet paprika

½ tsp salt

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

½ tsp ground cumin

½ tsp tumeric

1/8-1/4 tsp. dried chili flakes

1 19 oz. (540 mL) can diced tomatoes, undrained

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed

3-4 carrots, peeled or scrubbed and sliced ½” thick

1 19 oz. (540 mL) can chick peas, rinsed and drained

⅓ cup golden raisins

plain yogurt, for serving with (optional)

⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro or mint, or toasted sliced almonds to sprinkle overtop (optional)

1 cup couscous (plain or whole wheat)

In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, until soft. Add garlic and ginger and cook for another minute. Add the paprika, salt, pepper, cumin, turmeric and chile flakes and cook for another minute.

Add the tomatoes and then a full can of water (use the tomato can), the lemon juice, squash, carrots and chick peas. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

Stir in the raisins, taste and season with salt and pepper. At this point you can cool it completely and refrigerate for a day or two, to allow the flavors to meld; rewarm on the stovetop or in the microwave. To make the couscous, put it in a bowl and pour 1 1/4 cups boiling water overtop; cover with a plate and let sit for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Serve hot over couscous (or rice or quinoa), topped with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or toasted almonds.

Categorybeans, one dish, vegetarian