Crock Pot Tagine of Squash and Chickpeas With Mushrooms

Olha's Note:

You will love this unusual combination of flavorings in this dish, which meld beautifully. The taste of the cinnamon and ginger really come through, and the bittersweet combination of lemon and honey, with a sprinkling of currants adds a perfect finish. Serve this over whole grain couscous to complete the Middle Eastern flavors and provide vegetarians with a complete protein. Add a leafy green vegetable, such as spinach or Swiss chard, to complete the meal.

• Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 8 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

USE 3 1/2 TO 6 QUARTS SLOW COOKER

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
• 4 garlic cloves, mined
• 2 tablespoons minced gingerroot (see tip)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns
• 1 cinnamon stick, piece (2 inches)
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, stemmed and halved
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes, including juice, coarsely chopped 796 mL
• 3 cups butternut squash (2 inch) or 3 cups pumpkin, peeled, cubed (2 inch)
• 2 cups cooked dried garbanzo beans or 2 cups canned chick-peas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon liquid honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup currants (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add onion and carrots and cook, stirring, until carrots are softened, about 7 minutes. Add garlic, gingerroot, turmeric, salt, peppercorns and cinnamon stick and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add mushrooms and toss until coated. Add tomatoes with juice and bring to a boil. Transfer to slow cooker stoneware.
2. Add squash and chickpeas and stir well. Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours or on High for 4 hours, until vegetables are tender.
3. In a small bowl, combine honey and lemon juice. Add to slow cooker and stir well. To serve, sprinkle with currants, if using. Serves 6.
4. TIP: I prefer a strong gingery flavor in this dish. If you’re ginger-averse, reduce the amount.
5. 175 Essential Slow Cooker Classics J. Finlayson.

Reviews

[MonsterMaha]

Oh, my goodness...this was so absolutely fantastic! I made this today for dinner tonight, followed the directions and ingredients exactly (except the currants), and it was simply heavenly! My kids even ate without complaint. This will make an excellent potluck dish too. The only change I'll make for the next time is to add more mushrooms, and double the recipe. We barely had enough left overs for our lunches tomorrow! I'm really surprised this hasn't gotten many more reviews. People are really missing out!

[Sharon123]

So delicious! I loved the flavors and you are right the honey, lemon and currants(I used raisins) were the perfect touch! thanks for a lovely meal! Made for the North African Tagiine Treasure Hunt!