spicy moroccan chickpeas & spinach

  • As requested....omit the apricots and couscous for phase I. As someone suggested, you can use quinoa or whole wheat couscous for phase 2. Enjoy!

    1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
    3 large garlic cloves, peeled
    2 cups thinly sliced red onion
    1/2 cup dried apricots, sliced
    1 tablespoon ras el hanout (Moroccan spice blend) or garam masala
    1 teaspoon salt 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
    1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
    1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
    1/2 cup water
    1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
    1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
    2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
    1 (28-ounce) can no-salt-added whole tomatoes, undrained and chopped
    6 cups escarole, torn into 1-inch pieces
    1 cup cilantro leaves
    1/4 cup mint leaves
    4 cups hot cooked couscous Preparation

    1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove garlic from pan using a slotted spoon; discard or reserve for another use. Add onion and next 6 ingredients (through cinnamon stick) to pan; sauté for 7 minutes or until the onion is lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Add 1/2 cup water, rind, juice, chickpeas, and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    2. Stir in escarole; simmer for 1 minute or until escarole wilts. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with cilantro and mint; top with almonds. Serve over couscous