Chicken and Rutabaga Stew

4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces

teaspoon cumin

3/4 teaspoon salt , divided

1 sweet onion , chopped (about 3/4 cup)

1 teaspoon garam masala

2 cups chicken broth

1 large rutabaga , peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 3 cups)

1 small sweet potato , peeled and cubed (about 1 1/2 cups)

10 dried fig s, cut in half

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper