BUTTERNUT SQUASH COUSCOUS

It's time for a recipe post. I came up with this one ... about 6 years ago. In fact, I've blogged about it back at Cooking Camper.  Recently I've decided to make this stew again and finally take a decent photo of it (original post had a shot of a similar dish from Food and Wine magazine.  With proper links/credentials of course!) 
Please welcome butternut squash couscous 6 years later.  Oh, and PLEASE do not be discouraged by the long list of ingredients - it is actually quite easy to make!
 

What you need

2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp ground coriander

1/4 tsp ground cumin

1/8 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp cinnamon

2 carrots peeled and cubed (1/2 inch or smaller)

2 celery sticks cubed

1/2 butternut squash, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
2 cups drained and rinsed canned chickpeas (one 19oz can)
1/2 head of cauliflower separated into florets

1/4 cup raisins
3 cup vegetable stock
1 15oz can diced tomatoes

3/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups couscous

Parsley and coriander to garnish

What to do

• In a large pot heat 2 teaspoons of oil.  Add onion and garlic, sautée for 2-3 minutes until just tender.

• Add spices, carrots, celery, squash, and chickpeas - cook for 3 minutes. Add cauliflower, mix well, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

• Add tomatoes and broth, bring to boil, then lower the heat and simmer until vegetables are tender (10-15 minutes)

• When the vegetable mix is ready add raisins, mix well, and simmer for 5 more minutes.  Taste and adjust for seasoning/spices.

Originally I've served it over couscous.  Here is the recipe:
In a medium saucepan, bring the water and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a boil. Stir in the couscous. Cover, remove from the heat, and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

This time I did not have any couscous and I've replaced it with Israeli couscous.  The result was good and I would predict that this stew could be good over rice as well.

The verdict? Still delicious, 6 years later.  I wonder why I haven't made it earlier?!
Anya

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A year ago: WEEKLY KALEIDOSCOPE
Two years ago: WEEKEND COLOURS