Eating for your chakras: hearty Moroccan stew

By Sari Huhtala

This nutrient-dense, hearty stew is always a crowd pleaser, and its blend of healing spices add extra nourishment for the body. It was gifted to me about 15 years ago at a chakra workshop that I was attending. It contains foods that feed each of the chakras, so energetically it’s a balancing meal as well. Enjoy!

Moroccan stew

Serves: 6

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onions  
• 1/2 cup each diced celery and chopped green bell pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced  
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 3 cups peeled, cubed sweet potatoes
• 1 can (14-½ oz) tomatoes, drained and cut up
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed, or add your own cooked chickpeas
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp grated gingerroot
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 2 tbsp light peanut butter
• 2 tbsp chopped, fresh cilantro

Heat olive oil in a large, non-stick saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions, celery, green pepper, and garlic. Cook and stir until vegetables begin to soften, about three minutes.
Add all remaining ingredients, except raisins, peanut butter, and cilantro. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
Stir in peanut butter and cilantro. Mix well. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Serve hot.

PS. I like to serve it up with a quick and easy spelt flatbread. Watch for the recipe in next month’s Alive and Fit!

Sari Huhtala is the creator, publisher and editor of Alive and Fit Magazine, which was created in 2007.  She has over 25 years of experience in journalism and over 15 years of experience as a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor, and is a holistic chef, offering holistic cooking and edible wilds workshops. She is an organic farmer, wild-crafter and grandmother, who has spent over 20 years navigating a holistic, healthy path for her family. Reach her at friends@thelaughingforest.ca