Burgers and bubbles… Image from Vogue Girl
During “drynuary” when people are committing themselves to their New Year’s resolution of health (in an attempt to undo all the holiday damage) heavy meats tend to be on the prohibited list. Statistically for most, the January detox is short lived. After a week of no booze, rabbit food and green juices, the temptations are too much and they’ve swung back to old habits including drunk texting old vices.
12/26/14 To: PrimeRib – I never want to see you ever again. I want you out of my life.
12/26/14 From: PrimeRib – k
1/14/15 To: PrimeRib – I miss you. I don’t care that you’re bad for my heart… I need you.
1/14/15 From: PrimeRib: – Coming over in 5.
And so the roller coaster begins once again.
Rather than go to extreme measures, we’ve found a great hearty recipe that still give you that “meat” fix without actual meat. The mix of spices is perfect for the winter months, and will satisfy all your January detox cravings.
Moroccan Vegetable Tagine
Adapted from Wholefoods
1/2 teaspoon each: ground cumin, ground ginger, ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper*
2 TBspn olive oil
1 yellow onion – chopped
3 cloves garlic – minced
2 TBspn tomato paste
3 cups low sodium veg or chicken stock
2 large sweet potatoes or squash – peeled and cut into 1/2 in. cubes
3 plum tomatoes – chopped (or 1 – 14.5 oz tinned diced tomatoes)
1 can chickpeas – drained and rinsed
1 cup greenbeans – washed and cut into 1/2 in.
1 zucchini – cut into 1/2 in. moons
1/2 cup golden raisins
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 1/2 cup couscous
chopped herbs – scallions & cilantro
Method:
Combine cumin, ginger, turmeric, salt, cinnamon, cayenne and pepper. Set aside.
In a large high-sided skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 8 to 10 minutes or until golden and tender. Stir in spice mixture and tomato paste and cook 1 minute, stirring. Stir in broth, potatoes, tomatoes and their juice, beans and raisins. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, about 40 minutes or until potatoes are tender and sauce is thickened.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups water, lemon juice and zest to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in couscous. Cover and let sit 5 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork. To serve, spoon tagine over couscous and garnish with chopped scallion and cilantro.
*cayenne pepper is optional.
