Great healthy way to start off the new year!

Spice Mix

• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Roast the cumin and coriander seeds in a cast iron skillet on a medium high heat for 3 to 4 minutes or till the seeds become aromatic. Take off the heat and grind smooth in a coffee grinder. Take out in a small bowl and add the turmeric and cayenne pepper. Keep aside.

• 2 tablespoons extra light olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 to 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon harissa
• 3 to 4 medium yellow potatoes, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 2 medium turnips, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 3 to 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt
• 1 cup green olives, sliced
• ½ cup dried apricots, sliced
• ½ cup slivered almonds
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons dried mint, crushed

Heat a heavy saucepan with the olive oil. Add the onions and garlic and sauté on medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomato paste, harissa and the spice mix. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the potatoes, turnips, carrots, chickpeas, chicken stock and salt. Bring to a boil and lower the heat to a simmer. Cover with lid and cook for 30 minutes. Take the lid off and check to see if the root vegetables are tender. Mash some potatoes with the back of a wooden spoon to slightly thicken the liquid. Add the olives and apricots. Turn the heat up to cook off some of the excess liquid to get the desired consistency- it should be like a thick soup. Add the almonds, cilantro, parsley and dried mint. Check for seasonings and serve with couscous.