She Strengthens

Vibrant Vegetarian Stew: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

The Perfect Blend of Flavors and Textures

Imagine a hearty, comforting stew that’s packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor. This Moroccan-inspired vegetarian dish is a game-changer for busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep time and just 45 minutes of cooking.

A Symphony of Spices and Ingredients

To create this masterpiece, simply sauté onions and garlic with a blend of aromatic spices, then add in harissa, root vegetables, and sweet raisins. The result is a rich, satisfying stew that’s both healthy and easy to prepare.

Unfamiliar Ingredients? No Problem!

Two key ingredients might be new to your pantry: preserved lemons and harissa. Don’t worry – these Moroccan staples are easy to find in gourmet stores or online, and you can even make your own at home.

The Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

For the Stew:

• 1 (1 1/2-pound) butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 pound beets, peeled and diced
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1/3 cup harissa, plus more for serving
• 1 pound radishes, trimmed and halved
• 1 (15-ounce can) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped preserved lemon, or lemon zest

For Serving:

• 2 cups couscous, cooked according to package directions
• 3/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. Prepare the squash by peeling, trimming, and cubing it. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 10 minutes.
3. Add garlic, salt, coriander, cumin, and paprika. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add beets, water, and harissa. Bring to a simmer and cook until beets are slightly softened, about 10 minutes.
5. Add squash, radishes, chickpeas, raisins, and honey. Return to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring every 10 minutes, until vegetables are fork-tender, about 45 minutes.
6. Taste and season with salt as needed. Remove from heat and stir in preserved lemon or lemon zest.
7. Serve over couscous, sprinkled with almonds and cilantro. Pass additional harissa on the side.

Get Ready to Delight Your Taste Buds!

This vibrant stew is a true showstopper, with its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the comfort of a delicious, nutritious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!