Description
This Delicious Lebanese Spinach Stew is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cozy nights at home. Made with tender lean ground beef, aromatic 7 Spice blend, garlic, and nutrient-rich spinach simmered in flavorful chicken broth, it’s garnished with toasted pine nuts and fresh lemon juice for a vibrant finish. This stew combines Middle Eastern flavors into a simple, nutritious meal that serves four.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound Lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons 7 Spice
- 2 teaspoons Salt (divided)
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper (divided)
- ½ teaspoon Crushed red pepper
Vegetables and Herbs
- 5 cloves Garlic, minced
- 20 ounces Frozen spinach (Two 10-ounce bags)
- ¼ cup Cilantro, chopped
- 1 juice Lemon
Liquids and Oils
- 3 cups Chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (for sautéing)
Garnish
- ⅓ cup Pine nuts, toasted
Instructions
- Toast Pine Nuts: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once warm, add the pine nuts and toast them, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the pine nuts from the pot and set aside to use as garnish later.
- Brown Ground Beef: In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the lean ground beef and cook it over medium heat, stirring occasionally to break it up. Season the beef with 2 teaspoons of 7 Spice, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the frozen spinach to the pot. Cook and stir until the spinach is fully thawed and incorporated into the beef mixture, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, to combine the flavors.
- Season the Stew: Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper, chopped cilantro, and the juice of one lemon. Stir thoroughly and taste the stew, adjusting any seasonings as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the hot spinach stew into bowls and garnish each serving with the toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor brightness.
- 7 Spice is a traditional Lebanese blend; substitute with a mix of cinnamon, allspice, cumin, coriander, paprika, cloves, and black pepper if unavailable.
- Toasting pine nuts enhances their flavor and adds a crunchy texture.
- Can be served with warm pita bread or rice for a fuller meal.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead.
- Adjust crushed red pepper to your preferred spice level.
