comfort food thursday - it's baaack.

it's here. comfort food/crock pot season that is, and i for one could not be happier. this is not only the time of year that my neck disappears, but also the time when i start eating soup for atleast 2 meals a day...so in honor of that season, and in an effort to mix up my dining routine, i am going to set a goal of trying a new recipe every week and sharing it with you on the reenergized version of comfort food thursday.*

so in my first attempt - i bring you from our friends at eating well - squash, chickpea & red lentil stew. it's in the crock pot as we speak, so check back (or follow me on twitter) and i will let you know how it goes!

squash, chickpea & red lentil stew

what you need:

• 3/4 cup dried chickpeas
• 2 1/2 pounds kabocha squash, or butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 cup red lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/2 cup chopped roasted unsalted peanuts
• 1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  

what you do: soak chickpeas in enough cold water to cover them by 2 inches for 6 hours or overnight. (alternatively, use the quick-soak method: place beans in a large pot with enough water to cover by 2 inches. bring to a boil over high heat. remove from heat and let stand for 1 hour.) drain when ready to use.

combine the soaked chickpeas, squash, carrots, onion, lentils, broth, tomato paste, ginger, cumin, salt, saffron and pepper in a 6-quart slow cooker. put on the lid and cook on low until the chickpeas are tender and the lentils have begun to break down, 5 to 6 1/2 hours. stir in lime juice. serve sprinkled with peanuts and cilantro.

*please keep in mind this is a long season here in vermont, so i am certainly going to need your help and suggestions on dishes to try. comment or email me with ideas - i beg you!