What's cooking Wednesday: Moroccan Stew

In my recent obsession, er, quest to prepare more meatless meals, I discovered this recipe in one of my cookbooks a couple of weeks ago. I loved it... as did everyone else who tried it including a toddler, and I highly recommend it be added to your repertoire. Aside from the really great flavours, it is super easy to make and you can make it ahead... a perfect recipe in my estimation! Okay, here it is:

Rockin' Moroccan Stew

2 tsp olive oil
1 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup each diced celery and chopped green bell pepper (I used carrots and broccoli instead of the pepper this time, simply because I didn't have any peppers in the house)
1 clove garlic, minced
3 cups vegetable stock (I used chicken)
3 cups peeled, cubed sweet potatoes
1 can (19 oz) tomatoes, drained and cut up
1 can (19 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp grated gingerroot
1 tsp each ground cumin, curry powder, ground coriander, and chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup raisins (I generally DESPISE raisins, but they are essential to this recipe)
2 tsp each peanut butter and chopped, fresh cilantro

Heat olive oil in large saucepan or pot over med-high heat. Add onions, celery, green pepper, and garlic. Cook and stir until vegetables begin to soften, about 3 minutes.

Add all remaining ingredients, except raisins, peanut butter and cilantro. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, about 20 minutes.

Stir in raisins, peanut butter and cilantro. Mix well. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Serve over couscous or rice.

Yummy!