Seven Vegetable Couscous

• 1½ cups couscous, uncooked
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 1 cup finely shredded cabbage
• 1 medium turnip, peeled and diced
• 1 medium yellow summer squash, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
• 16-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1½ cups diced ripe tomatoes
• 2 tsp ginger
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• dried hot red pepper flakes, to taste
• salt and black pepper, to taste
• golden raisins, toasted almonds, and/or parsley for garnish

1. Combine couscous and 3 cups boiling water in heatproof bowl. Cover and let stand until water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then stir in butter, turmeric and salt. Cover and set aside.

2. For vegetable stew, heat oil in large saucepan or soup pot. Add onions and sauté over medium heat until translucent. Stir in cabbage and sauté until cabbage and onion are lightly golden. Add remaining stew ingredients. Bring to simmer, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes. Add water as needed to produce a moist, but not soupy, consistency. The vegetables should be just tender, but still firm.

3. To serve, arrange the couscous on the outer edge of a large serving platter and make a well in the center. Pour the vegetable mixture in the center, sprinkle with the garnishes.