Middle Eastern Chickpea & Rice Stew

FloridaNative's Note:

The nutty goodness of slowly browned onions, spices and sweet potato are offset by a burst of fresh cilantro in this chickpea and rice stew. Serve this hearty dish with whole-wheat pita and a salad of sliced cucumbers tossed with yogurt and a pinch of salt. Dietary Exchanges: 3 1/2 starch, 1 1/2 very lean meat (3 1/2 Carbohydrate Servings). From EatingWell magazine April/May 2005, and EatingWell for a Healthy Heart Cookbook. Posted for ZWT 6 - North Africa / Middle Eastern region.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 25 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 55 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 6

Yield: 6.0 1 1/2 c ...

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 medium onions , halved and thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 cup orange juice
• 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth or 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 (15 ounce) cans chickpeas , rinsed
• 3 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes (about 1 pound)
• 2⁄3; cup brown basmati rice
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat; add onions and cook, stirring often, until tender and well browned, 10 to 12 minutes.
2. Add cumin and coriander and stir for about 15 seconds. Add orange juice and broth.
3. Stir in chickpeas, sweet potato, rice and salt. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cover.
4. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the sweet potatoes are breaking down to thicken the liquid, about 45 minutes.
5. Season with pepper. (The stew will be thick and will thicken further upon standing. Add more broth to thin, if desired, or when reheating.)
6. Serve topped with cilantro.