Moroccan Stew

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 acorn squash, halved and roasted
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 cup lentils, rinsed and cleaned
• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 tablespoon coriander
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 1/2 cups vegetable stock, divided
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• Fresh flat-leaf parsley and mint, for garnish

Directions

Split the squash in half and remove the seeds and fibers. Brush the flesh with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with cinnamon, salt and pepper. Roast on a cookie sheet in a 350 degree F oven for about 25 minutes, until fork tender. Cool and set aside.

Combine lentils and rice in a medium saucepan; add coriander, bay leaf, curry powder, salt and pepper. Pour in 3 1/4 cups of broth to cover by at least 2 inches. Turn the heat to medium and cook 30 to 45 minutes, stirring frequently. If you need to add more liquid to keep the mixture wet do so, a little at a time.

Meanwhile, place 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring until softened, about 5 minutes. Rehydrate the apricots with remaining 1/4 cup vegetable stock. Stir in the lentils and rice. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Bring the components together by spooning the mixture into the roasted acorn squash. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and mint.