Mélange Aux Simanim aka Sephardic Chickpea Carrots Leeks and Squash Stew

It is traditional to eat certain symbolic foods on Rosh Hashanah. Among some of the symbolic foods are leeks, carrots, and gourds. So, rather than make each item separately, I made a few dishes to combine some of the symbolic foods and make them part of the meal.

Our guest, Manny, coined the name of the dish, which I thought was very funny. He and his wife Judy are among our favorite guests.

Ingredients:

2 cups chickpeas, cooked (or 1 can rinsed and drained)

4 leeks, sliced

4 carrots, sliced diagonally 

½ butternut squash, peeled and cubed 

1-2 cloves fresh garlic, crushed 

1 teaspoon ginger

½ teaspoon turmeric, paprika, cumin,

Salt and pepper to taste

Water to cover

Instructions:

Sauté leeks, and add rest of ingredients. Add water to cover. Bring to a boil and simmer until done. This can also be made in a crockpot.

I ran out of canned chickpeas, so I cooked the chickpeas first in the pressure cooker for 40 minutes.

Adjust seasoning as preferred.

Here is a picture:

  

May we be sealed in the book of life and blessed with a sweet, healthy and good new year!