Morrocan Pumpkin Stew

* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 medium onions, peeled and cut in large chunks
* 1 medium carrot, peeled and cut in large chunks
* 6 small potatoes, well-scrubbed but not peeled, cut in half
* 1-1/2 cups fresh pumpkin, peeled and cut in large chunks
* 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
* 1-1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 cinnamon stick
* 1-1/2 cups canned tomato, chopped
* 1 cup water
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons raisins
* 1 preserved lemon (optional garnish)

Heat the oil in a large heavy saucepan over medium high heat. Add the onions, carrot, potato, and pumpkin and saute for 5-10 minutes, stirring from time to time. When vegetables have softened, add the ginger and garlic. Continue to saute for 2-3 minutes, then add the turmeric, coriander, cumin and cinnamon stick. Cook for another 5-8 minutes, then add the canned tomato and 1 cup of water. Bring to a simmer, season with salt and pepper, then add the raisins. Allow to cook for 18-25 minutes until all vegetables are soft – but don’t overcook.

Just before serving, cut the preserved lemon into thin wedges and add as a garnish (this is optional but if you can locate it, the unique flavor of preserved lemon is worth trying).

You can present this stew with some warm pita bread on the side – or serve it over a bed of couscous or rice pilaf. Want to add more interest to the dish? Try spiking the rice pilaf with some chopped apricots or slivered almonds. Note that the nutritional information below is for a serving of stew only. It doesn’t include the rice or couscous.

Number of Servings: 6

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user SIRCATNIP1.