Couscous with Chickpeas and Vegetables

Ingredients

Directions

PREPARATION (2 hours or overnight)

Rinse peas and sort. Place in a bowl, cover with boiling water and soak for at least 1 hour or overnight. Drain, place in a large saucepan and cover with fresh water. Cover (lid) and bring to a boil. Cook over medium heat until tender, about 1 hour. Drain and set aside.

COOKING (40 minutes)

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over low-medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, cinnamon, paprika and cumin. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, about 3 minutes.

Add the carrots, turnips and sweet potatoes and cook, stirring continuously, for 5 minutes.

Add the tomato juice and stock and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the chickpeas, okra/squash, apricots, mushrooms and parsley and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 10-12 minutes. Season to taste with the salt and pepper.

Bring the water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the couscous and sultanas and mix well with a fork. Remove the pan from the heat and let stand for 2 minutes to allow pasta to swell. Add the remaining oil to center of the couscous, return pan to heat and cook over medium heat, stirring until heated through, about 4 minutes.

Spoon couscous around the edge of a serving dish. Garnish with the chives. Spoon chickpea and vegetable mixture in the center and sprinkle with rose petals, if using. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.