COUSCOUS WITH TOMATOES, OKRA AND CHICKPEAS

Couscous With Tomatoes, Okra and Chickpeas image

Okra is popular in the North African cuisines of Tunisia and Algeria, where it is also dried. Because you don't cut it up, the okra doesn't become slimy. It contributes great flavor to the stew. Very high in dietary fiber, okra is a great source of vitamins A, C, B complex and the phytonutrients glutathione, xanthin, lutein and beta carotene, all believed to have antioxidant properties. For the best texture and flavor, look for the smallest pods you can find

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Time 30m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

1 pound okra
Salt to taste
1/2 cup red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 to 4 large garlic cloves (to taste), minced
Salt, preferably kosher, to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne (more to taste)
1 pound tomatoes, grated, or peeled, seeded and chopped
2 cups chickpeas, soaked for 6 hours or overnight and drained
A bouquet garni consisting of 8 sprigs each parsley
A bouquet garni consisting of 8 sprigs cilantro
1 large sweet red pepper, seeded and cut in large dice
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon harissa (more to taste), plus additional for serving (optional)
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, or a mixture of parsley and cilantro or mint
2 to 2 2/3 cups couscous (1/3 cup per serving)

Steps:

Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large, heavy soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the onion. Cook, stirring, until it is tender, about 5 minutes, and stir in the garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the spices. Stir together for about 1 minute and add the tomatoes. Cook, stirring often, until the tomatoes have cooked down slightly, 5 to 10 minutes. Add the chickpeas, 2 quarts water and the bouquet garni. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours.
Meanwhile, trim the stems off the okra and place in a large bowl. Salt generously, douse with the vinegar and let sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Drain the okra and rinse thoroughly. Set aside.
After 1 1/2 hours, season the chickpeas with salt to taste and add the harissa, tomato paste, red pepper and okra. Bring back to a simmer and simmer 30 to 45 minutes, or until okra and beans are tender. Remove a cup of broth to use for flavoring the couscous. Stir in the chopped fresh herbs and simmer another few minutes. Taste and adjust salt. The stew should be spicy and flavorful.
Reconstitute and steam the couscous (see recipe). Serve the couscous in wide bowls or mound onto plates and top with the stew. Pass more harissa at the table.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 463, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 82 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 12 grams, Protein 19 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 655 milligrams, Sugar 10 grams