Spice Trade Beans & Bulgur

Name: Spice Trade Beans & Bulgur
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h
Yield: 10 servings.
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons canola oil, divided; 2 medium onions, chopped; 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped; 5 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon paprika; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1-1/2 cups bulgur; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 carton (32 ounces) vegetable broth; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained; 1/2 cup golden raisins; Minced fresh cilantro, optional

A rich blend of treasured spices flavors tender, nutritious bulgur and chickpeas in a tangy, nutritious stew that has just the right amount of heat. A hint of sweetness from golden raisins is the perfect accent. —Faith Cromwell, San Francisco, California

Ingredients

3 tablespoons canola oil, divided
2 medium onions, chopped
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1-1/2 cups bulgur
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 carton (32 ounces) vegetable broth
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup golden raisins
Minced fresh cilantro, optional

Directions

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and pepper; cook and stir until tender, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and seasonings; cook 1 minute longer. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker.
In same skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add bulgur; cook and stir until lightly browned, 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned.
Add bulgur, tomatoes, broth, brown sugar and soy sauce to slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low 3-4 hours or until bulgur is tender. Stir in beans and raisins; cook 30 minutes longer. If desired, sprinkle with cilantro.