SQUASH, CHICKPEA & RED LENTIL STEW

SQUASH, CHICKPEA & RED LENTIL STEW image

Yield 8 People

Number Of Ingredients 15

3/4 cup(s) dried chickpeas
2 1/2 pound(s) kabocha squash, or butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced
2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup(s) red lentils
4 cup(s) vegetable broth
2 tablespoon(s) tomato paste
1 tablespoon(s) minced peeled fresh ginger
1 1/2 teaspoon(s) ground cumin
1 teaspoon(s) salt
1/4 teaspoon(s) saffron
1/4 teaspoon(s) freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup(s) lime juice
1/2 cup(s) chopped roasted unsalted peanuts
1/4 cup(s) packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Steps:

Soak chickpeas in enough cold water to cover them by 2 inches for 6 hours or overnight. (Alternatively, use the quick-soak method: Place beans in a large pot with enough water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat. Remove from heat and let stand for 1 hour.) Drain when ready to use. Combine the soaked chickpeas, squash, carrots, onion, lentils, broth, tomato paste, ginger, cumin, salt, saffron and pepper in a 6-quart slow cooker. Put on the lid and cook on low until the chickpeas are tender and the lentils have begun to break down, 5 to 6 1/2 hours. Stir in lime juice. Serve sprinkled with peanuts and cilantro.