This was loved by everyone at my holiday meal, including some difficult-to-please omnivores.
http://www.vegkitchen.com/recipes/moroccan-style-vegetable-stew/Serves: 6 or more
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, chopped
2 medium-large potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
2 heaping cups raw sugar pumpkin or butternut squash,
peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks (see Note)
2 large carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
14-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 teaspoons ground cumin, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
Dried hot red pepper flakes, to taste
15- to 16-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 cup raw couscous, preferably whole grain (see Note)
Minced fresh parsley for garnish
Heat the oil in a soup pot. Add the onions and sauté over moderate heat until golden.
Add the potatoes, pumpkin or squash, carrots, tomatoes, and just enough water to cover. Bring to a simmer, then add the seasonings and simmer gently, covered, for approximately 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Add the chickpeas, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes longer.
Meanwhile, place the couscous in an ovenproof bowl. Cover with 2 cups boiling water, then cover the bowl and let stand for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Place a small amount of the couscous in each soup bowl, then ladle the stew over it. Garnish each serving with parsley, if desired.
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I varied the recipe slightly. I used a bit less onion, and I substituted sweet potato for the butternut squash. I also left out the dried hot red pepper flakes, and I didn't add any salt or pepper.
When I make it again, I'd use large slices of carrots instead of the recommendation to coarsely chop them. Also, next time I think I'll add slightly more chickpeas.