Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Moroccan Vegetable Stew




Our walk was absolutely beautiful today. No steep hills, no fast cars to watch for a no bunny trails. Just my hubby and I on the path along the creek. We took the little dappled pup and had the best time!

We met two sweet older ladies. They made our day! They called us "kids' and wanted to talk. They said they saw us walking and thought we were "cute". Okay, that never happens anymore. Needless to say we ended up walking with them. We learned so much. They are friends and both of them have had surgeries over the past few months. They kinda take care of each other. It was obvious that one lady is still very much a momma at heart and loves taking care of her friend. The "southern belle" was all gussied up...makeup, hair all done up, a beautiful scarf, lots of jewelry and the other friend was very casual and just enjoying the fact that her friend had called and offered to meet her for a fresh, brisk walk. The momma {southern belle} has walked 5 miles a day, 5 days a week for 3o YEARS! She had just bought a doggie stroller for her little dappled doggie. LD {little dapple} is what she named fuzzy fur feet! The stroller was fully stocked with doggie treats, water, blankets, toys, wet wipes, the original price tag dangling from the handle along with her rain bonnet. She lost her hubby who was a Battalion Chief in Missoula, Montana two years ago. They had been married for 59 years! She was sure to let us know that she was spoiled by her hubby and that he was her sugar daddy. She had us laughing as she told us stories! They loved hiking together and walking. OH.How I love to meet new people on walks. As we were parting ways a HUGE blue heron flew right in front of us and landed on the police man's house. We were quickly informed that they sleep in trees. Hmmmm...I certainly hope that we can meet up with these two spunky older ladies again...soon!!

Do you come home from walks or from exercising at the gym with stories to tell?





Moroccan Vegetable Stew
adapted from Taste of Home

1 medium onion, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small butternut squash, chopped

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and chopped

2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 can garbanzo beans...pinto beans are also really good

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper {or a few drops of Sriracha, aka “chicken sauce” to taste}

2 cups chicken or vegetable broth {I used Chicken Better Than Bouillon}

2 cups water

1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper...add more to taste


*In a large saucepan, heat olive oil on medium heat and add onions, sautéing until soft.

*Add spices and cook for another minute.

*Stir in squash, potatoes, carrots, celery, tomatoes, broth and water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes.

*Add garbanzo beans and bring to a boil.

*Reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.

*Add salt and pepper based on taste preferences.

Serve on a bed of couscous and top with sour cream.

VARIATION: Stir in about 2 tablespoons of coconut milk in your own separate bowl for more flavor.


Our Dinner Menu

Sparkling grape juice

Dinner salad

Moroccan Vegetable Stew

Baby oranges




Thank YOU, Leslie for the recipe!






Shared with: women living well, foodie friday

4 comments:

  1. I love this story! It's so wonderful that they are dear friends and watch out for each other as well as getting out for exercise. So much history to learn isn't there?

    This dish looks divine...as everything you make does! Thanks for sharing the recipe as well as the story.

    xo
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am so ever grateful that I found you. You warmed my heart today, and will soon warm our tummies with this amazing recipe!
    So blessed.
    ~Lynne
    [w/L]

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a sweet story, so nice they can still get out and enjoy their day!
    That stew sounds yummy, and reminds me of the chicken mulligatawny soup I make...love soups this time of year. I have never tried couscous, but need too I guess...I see it everywhere!
    Blessings! xx

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a sweet story, Lisa. Thanks for sharing it. That stew sounds so yummy and comforting. :)

    ReplyDelete