Serves 4, but keeps very well.
2 red onions, cut into chunks
2 carrots, cut into chunks
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 black olives, stoned
3 tablespoons sultanas
3 dried apricots, chopped
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
juice of one lemon
600ml vegetable stock
4 new potatoes, quartered
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 courgettes, trimmed and chopped into 2.5cm chunks (or a little thinner if you prefer)
400g can chopped tomatoes
425g can chickpeas, drained
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
3 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander
Combine the onions, carrots, garlic, olives, sultanas, spices, lemon juice and 300ml of the stock in a heavy-based frying pan. Simmer briskly, covered, for 10 minutes, then uncover and simmer briskly for 4-5 minutes, until the liquid is almost gone and the vegetables and spices are frying in their own 'juices'.
Add the potatoes and some more stock. Cook, stirring for 3-4 minutes, until the potatoes are almost tender. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the courgettes, a little more stock, and the tomatoes. Simmer for 7-10 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender. Stir in the chickpeas and herbs, and heat through.
Serve with couscous.