Silk Road Chickpea & Millet Stew (gluten-free, vegan, ACD)

 

Lately I've been been paging through my copy of Silk Road Cooking: A Vegetarian Journey by Najmieh Batmanglij rather obsessively  I have had this cookbook for years, and despite the fact that I know the order of the recipes nearly by heart, I find myself constantly inspired. The ingredients, the photos, and the stories in this book stimulate my imagination and my taste buds, and I never tire of reading through it like a novel!  I have been known to have this book out on my coffee table.

While this recipe isn't taken from its pages, the flavors in this soup are inspired from spice combinations that show up in many recipes throughout the book: ginger, chilis, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, and oregano. These spices and herbs add wonderful fragrance and flavor to the thick, tahini-spiked broth and combination of chickpeas, millet, and vegetables. Don't be intimidated by the long list of ingredients; this hearty soup comes together easily.

Providing protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, and healthy fat, this soup is a true meal-in-a-bowl, inspired by the flavors of the Silk Road.  Make a batch and share it with friends; it will warm you on even the chilliest winter day.  

Silk Road Chickpea & Millet Stew

yield 4-6 servings

• 2 Tbsp coconut oil or ghee
• 1/2 cup dry millet, rinsed
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 Tbsp minced  fresh garlic cloves
• 1 Tbsp finely minced fresh ginger root
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium rutabaga, peeled diced
• 1/4 head cabbage, finely sliced
• 1 medium apple, chopped
• 2 cups cooked chickpeas
•  2 tsp ground cumin
•  1 tsp dry oregano flakes
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 crushed dry red chilis (or 3/4 tsp red chili flakes)
• 6 cups water
• 3 Tbsp tahini
• 3/4 tsp unrefined sea salt, or to taste

Rinse millet and drain. Prepare vegetables as directed.

Heat oil/ghee in a large soup pot over medium-low heat. Add onions, garlic, and ginger, and saute for 2-3 minutes, then add millet. Saute for 2-3 minutes, then add rutabaga and saute for 2-3 more minutes. Then add remaining vegetables and chickpeas, as well as spices. Stir and saute for 4-5 minutes. Dissolve tahini in 1/2 cup water, add to pot, along with remaining 5 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, until vegetables are tender, about 20-25 minutes.

Salt to taste, and serve.

Comments

[The Teenie Foodie]

Ah this looks divine... I can almost smell the spices! What a great dish, thanks for sharing this. I must try this one day, I'm always looking for a soup that is a meal by itself. The addition of tahini sounds interesting, and I've always wanted to try millet. Sounds delicious!

[Shelley]

this soup looks so delicious! I made your recipe for kale & turnip soup last week and it was perfect :)

[Sophie]

What a terrific & slendid looking stew!! I so much love millet & chickpeas combined with these tasty flavours!!

MMMMMM,...Georgous food!

[Blaine]

Just made this for lunch, it was delish! I used parsnip instead of rutabaga (didn't have one).

Thanks :)

[Kim @ Affairs of Living]

@The Teenie Foodie - millet is wonderful, you should try it! This soup would be a very easy way to try it out.

@SHelley - I'm so glad you liked the kale and turnip soup! This one is very yummy too. :)

@Sophie - Thanks so much!

@Blaine - awesome, I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for coming back and leaving a comment. Great idea with the parsnips, I bet that was great - parsnips go so well with warm flavors.