This is a great vegetarian stew to make for company or through the week- and a great recipe to post for meatless Monday!! It does have a whole lot of ingredients but most of them are very common and are usually in a pantry. Harissa is a Moroccan style condiment that is made with red peppers and can have some heat as well… it is commonly found in super markets…

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 dates, pitted and chopped
• 1 tablespoon harissa paste
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 1 large yellow pepper, chopped
• 1 14 ounces can of tomatoes (I used fire roasted with green chilies)
• 1 cauliflower head, cut into small florets
• 1 14 ounces can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 3 to 4 cups water or vegetable broth
• Salt

Heat a large saucepan with the olive oil. Add the onion and cook on medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the cinnamon, coriander, cumin and cayenne pepper. Saute for 2 minutes on medium heat. Add the garlic and dates and sauté for another 2 minutes. Add the harissa paste, tomato paste and flour. Saute for another 2 minutes. Add the carrots and pepper. Saute on medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes, cauliflower and chickpeas. Saute for 3 to 4 minutes and add the water or broth. Bring to a boil and add 2 teaspoons salt. Lower the heat and cover with lid and cook for 20 minutes. Take the lid off and continue cooking till the consistency is of a thick stew. Check for seasonings and keep aside.

Gremolata

• ½ cup green olives, chopped (I used olives stuffed with garlic)
• ½ cup parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup golden raisins, chopped
• Zest of one large lemon

Mix the olives, parsley, raisins and lemon zest in a small bowl. Top the stew and serve.