Moroccan-Style Vegetable Stew

I found this recipe on http://www.simplyorganicfoods.com/ and it quickly became a staple in our home.
This stew is easy to make, and it is absolutely delicious!


Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 60 min
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

2 large onions, chopped

2 medium potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/4-inch chunks

2 cups (heaping) sugar pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch chunks

2 large carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped

1 can (16-ounce) salt-free diced tomatoes, undrained

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground tumeric

1 can (16-ounce) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

2 cups water

1 cup raw couscous, preferably whole grain

1/4 to 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley, to taste


Directions
Heat the oil in a soup pot. Add the onions and saute over medium heat until golden.

Add the potatoes, pumpkin or squash, carrots, tomatoes, cumin, and turmeric. Add enough water to cover all but about 1/2 inch of the vegetables. Bring to a rapid simmer, then lower the heat. Cover and simmer gently for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Stir in the chickpeas, then season with salt and pepper. Simmer over very low heat for 10 to 15 minutes longer.

Meanwhile, bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from the heat. Let stand for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

To serve the stew, place a small amount of the couscous in each soup bowl, then ladle some stew over it and sprinkle with parsley. Serve at once.