African Squash and Chick Pea Stew

Ingredients

• 4 teaspoons California Olive Ranch extra virgin olive oil • 2 large onions, chopped (2 cups) • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin • 1 teaspoon ground coriander • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne) • 2 cups peeled, seeded and cubed butternut squash (1-inch cubes) • 2 cups vegetable broth • 1 can (14 1/2 oz.) low-sodium diced tomatoes, undrained • 1 can (15 oz.) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained, rinsed • 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced okra • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves • 1/3 cup raw unsalted hulled pumpkin seeds (pepitas), toasted

Instructions

1. In 5-quart Dutch oven or saucepan, heat 3 teaspoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add onions to oil; cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Add all spices; stir until onions are well coated. Cook about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until glazed and deep golden brown. 2. Stir in squash; coat well with seasoned mixture. Stir in broth, tomatoes and chickpeas. Heat soup to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 15 minutes or until squash is tender. 3. Meanwhile, in 8-inch skillet, heat remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium-high heat; add okra to oil. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender and edges are golden brown; stir into stew. 4. Divide stew evenly among 4 bowls. For each serving, top stew with 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro and generous 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds.