In honor of the winter celebration of Kwanzaa, we offer you this hearty stew that originated in areas of South and East Africa. Potatoes, both sweet and white, as well as cauliflower, calcium-rich greens, raisins, and spices make a savory and nourishing combination to warm us on cold winter nights.

You can serve this comforting one-pot meal by itself or on top of rice, couscous, or quinoa. Here is the mouthwatering recipe:

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups chopped onions
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 tablespoon ground coriander seeds
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cauliflower head, cut into bite-size florets
1 sweet potato, peeled, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
4 cups thinly-sliced collard greens
1/4 cup raisins
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat and add the onions and garlic, cooking them for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.

2. Add ginger, poppy seeds, mustard seeds, coriander, and cloves and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes.

3. Add potatoes to the mixture an stir to combine. Stir in 4 cups of water and turn heat up to high. Once mixture comes to a boil, add the teaspoon of salt and stir well. Turn heat to low and simmer stew, uncovered, for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add cauliflower, sweet potato, collard greens, and raisins, stirring to combine. Continue cooking for 10 minutes until potatoes are tender.

5. Season stew with vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. If the stew is too dry, add a little water. Serve hot.

Serves 4.