BNJacksonGA

Squash, Chickpea & Red Lentil Stew

Prep & Cooking Time: 8 Hours & 30 Minutes (including the 1-hour quick-soak for chickpeas)

Servings: 8

Modeled on North African stews, this aromatic vegetarian main course can be served over brown rice or steamed spinach.

Nutritional Info:

Calories: 294

Carbohydrates: 48g

Cholesterol: 0g

Dietary Fiber: 11g

Protein: 14g

Potassium: 1029g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Sodium: 578mg

Total Fat: 7g

Nutritional Bonus: Per Serving

Vitamin A (310% daily value)

Vitamin C (50% daily value)

Folate (30% daily value)

Potassium (27% daily value)

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup dried chickpeas
• 2-1/2 lb. kabocha squash, (see Note) or butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 cup red lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 tbsp. minced peeled fresh ginger
• 1-1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. saffron, (see Note)
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/2 cup chopped roasted unsalted peanuts
• 1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Directions:

Soak chickpeas in enough cold water to cover them by 2 inches for 6 hours or overnight. (Alternatively, use the quick-soak method: Place beans in a large pot with enough water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat. Remove from heat and let stand for 1 hour.)

Drain when ready to use.

Combine the soaked chickpeas, squash, carrots, onion, lentils, broth, tomato paste, ginger, cumin, salt, saffron and pepper in a 6-quart slow cooker.

Put on the lid and cook on low until the chickpeas are tender and the lentils have begun to break down, 5 to 6 1/2 hours.

Stir in lime juice.

Serve sprinkled with peanuts and cilantro.

Tip:Notes: Kabocha is a squash with a green-streaked rind and tender, sweet orange flesh. An average kabocha weighs two to three pounds.

Considered the world's most expensive spice, saffron contributes a pungent flavor and intense yellow color. It is sold in threads and powdered form.

Tags: Brown Rice, Butternut Squash, Calories, Carbohydrates, Carrots, Chickpeas, Cholesterol, Cilantro Leaves, Cumin, Dietary Fiber, Folate, Ginger, Ground Pepper, Kabocha Squash, Lime Juice, North African Stews, Onion, Potassium, Protein, Red Lentils, Roasted Unsalted Peanuts, Saffron, Salt, Saturated Fat, Sodium, Spinach, Tomato Paste, Total Fat, Vegetable Broth, Vegetarian, Vitamin A, Vitamin C