Arab-inspired Spiced Vegetable Stew

Ingredients

While the original Zambian Ndiwo is typically prepared with local ingredients such as pumpkin leaves and peanuts, this Arab-inspired version replaces those ingredients with a variety of vegetables commonly found in Arab cuisine. The spices used in this recipe, such as saffron, cumin, and coriander, are also characteristic of Arab flavors. The addition of raisins adds a touch of sweetness, which is not typically found in the original Ndiwo. We alse have the original recipe for Ndiwo, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 zucchinis, diced 2 zucchinis, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup raisins 1/4 cup raisins
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 14g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, saffron threads, and cinnamon stick to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
3. 3.
   Add the diced carrots, zucchinis, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in the raisins and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. 6.
   Remove the cinnamon stick from the pot before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Saffron — To enhance the flavor and aroma of saffron, soak the threads in a tablespoon of warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper.
• Serve the stew with warm Arabic bread or fluffy couscous for a complete meal.
• Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences and seasonal availability.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste during the cooking process.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify over time.

Serving advice

Serve the Arab-inspired spiced vegetable stew hot in individual bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. Accompany the stew with warm Arabic bread or fluffy couscous for a satisfying and complete meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle a pinch of saffron threads on top of the stew before serving. The vibrant orange color of the saffron will add visual appeal to the dish.