This stew is perfect for a cold winter day. It is packed with antioxidant-rich vegetables and fragrant spices. Serve this stew over a scoop of cooked quinoa or whole grain brown rice.
Yield: 6 servings
Here's what you need:
- 1 1/2 cups plus 3 tablespoons water or vegetable stock, divided
- 1 large size yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 large size red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
- 2 or 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon agave nectar or pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon grated or minced fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron
- 2 medium size sweet potatoes or garnet or jewel yams, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 can (15oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15oz) chickpeas drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Heat 3 tablespoons water in a soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, peppers and garlic, and cook for 5 minutes. If the water begins to evaporate, add a little more.
- Stir in the agave nectar, coriander, cinnamon, cumin, ginger and saffron and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add sweet potatoes, and stir to coat. Stir in tomatoes, remaining 1 1/2 cups water and chickpeas. Bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer until sweet potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Then serve over quinoa or brown rice.
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 141 calories, 1 g fat, 29 g carbohydrate, 6 g fiber, and 6 g protein.
