Savory veggie stew hits the spot

Suddenly, vegetarians surround me.

When my husband announced that several co-workers swore that going off meat cured their arthritis, he was determined to give it a try. Then a 23-year-old cousin who found herself suddenly between apartments moved in with us. You guessed it — she's vegetarian.

I don't have anything against going meatless from time to time. But lately I'm feeling a bit lost, as a veer toward vegan territory requires navigating the kitchen by a whole new map. (Thank heavens my veggie crowd will at least do dairy!)

When Alicia heard about my plight, she shared today's recipe for Chickpea and Sweet-Potato Stew. She has been experimenting a lot with meatless cooking lately, and her stew is delicious. The intriguing blend of spices is sure to please even committed carnivores.

Menu suggestion: Chickpea and Sweet-Potato Stew

Spinach salad leaves with bottled dressing

Seven-grain rolls

Chickpea and Sweet-Potato Stew

Start to finish: 30 minutes

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped celery

3 cups water

1 small can (7-3/4 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper, to taste

Heat the oil over medium heat in a 3-quart pot with a lid. Add the onion and celery, and stir and cook until the onion is translucent, about two minutes. Add the water and all remaining ingredients.

Cover the pot, raise heat to high, and bring the stew to a boil. Uncover the pot, reduce heat to medium, and cook at a slow boil until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Serve immediately or simmer until ready to serve.

Yield: 4 servings

Approximate values per serving: 149.5 calories (22 percent from fat), 4 g fat (0.5 g saturated), 0 mg cholesterol, 5 g protein, 25 g carbohydrates, 6 g dietary fiber, 125.5 mg sodium.

Beverly Mills and Alicia Ross are co-authors of "Desperation Dinners!" (Workman, 1997), "Desperation Entertaining!" (Workman, 2002) and "Cheap. Fast. Good!" (Workman, 2006). Contact them at Desperation Dinners, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016, or send e-mail to tellus@kitchenscoop.com. Or visit the Desperation Dinners Web site at www.kitchenscoop.com.

Dist. by United Feature Syndicate Inc.