Moroccan-Spiced Fava Bean Stew

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mixed dried fruit
• 1/4 cup raisins or dried currant
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow sweet onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 8 ounces green beans, ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 1 1/2 cups cooked fresh fava beans (or one 15-oz can fava beans, drained and rinsed)
• 1/2 cup frozen green pea, thawed
• salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro or fresh parsley leaves

Directions

1. 1

   Place the dried fruit and raisins in a small heatproof bowl. Add boiling water to cover and soak for 20 minutes to soften. Drain and set aside.

2. 2

   Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot, cover, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, and cinnamon and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.

3. 3

   Add the tomatoes, green beans, and stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.

4. 4

   Add the favas, peas, fruit, salt and pepper to taste. Simmer, uncovered, until the flavors are blended and the desired consistency is achieved, about 10 minutes.

5. 5

   Sprinkle with cilantro and serve.