Middle Eastern Vegetable Stew Recipes

MIDDLE EASTERN CHICKEN & CHICKPEA STEW

Steps:

• Mash garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt on a cutting board with the back of a fork until a paste forms. Transfer to a medium bowl and whisk in lemon juice, cumin, paprika and pepper. Add chicken and stir to coat.
• Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to the pan (reserve the marinade) and cook, stirring occasionally, until opaque on the outside, about 4 minutes. Add tomatoes with their juice, chickpeas, the reserved marinade and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes more. Serve sprinkled with parsley.

MIDDLE EASTERN VEGETABLE STEW

Steps:

• Heat the vegetable stock in a large casserole until boiling, then add the sliced pepper, zucchini, carrot and celery.
• Stir over high heat for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
• Add the potatoes, tomatoes, chili powder, mint and cumin. Add the chick peas and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat, cover the casserole with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 30 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve hot, garnished with mint leaves.

MIDDLE EASTERN VEGETABLE AND LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery. Cook until lightly browned, stirring occasionally, 5 to 10 minutes. Add garlic and cook another minute or 2, stirring constantly. Add broth, water, and lentils and bring to a boil, about 5 minutes.
• Add eggplant to the soup and return to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes more. Stir in zucchini and tomato and return to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until zucchini are tender but still bright, about 5 minutes more. Remove soup from heat and stir in lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper.

LEBANESE EGGPLANT STEW

Steps:

• Combine the eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker insert.
• Using an electric coffee mill or a mortar and pestle, grind the peppercorns, allspice berries, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes to a powder.
• Add the spices to the vegetables, cover, and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
• Stir in the olive oil and parsley, and add salt to taste just before serving.
• Suggested Beverage
• I think I'd choose a Merlot or Cabernet to accompany this dish.