Your house will smell of savory spices while this stew is cooking- quite a nice way to cheer up a cool, Autumn evening. Serve with a large, raw green or cabbage salad for maximum digestion.
Heat a 6-quart pot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then the celery and bell pepper, and saute until soft and starting to turn color, about 6 to 7 minutes.
Add the cubed chicken, spices (cumin through black pepper), and sea salt, Saute for a few more minutes. Next add the diced carrots; saute for a minute more.
Add the water or stock, tomato paste, and rice. Add more rice for a thicker stew if desired. Simmer on medium-low heat for about 25 minutes.
Taste and add more salt and/or seasonings if needed. Simmer a few more minutes. Garnish each bowl with chopped fresh parsley. This stew tastes even better on the second and third days. Enjoy!