Description
This delicious Lebanese Spinach Stew combines tender ground beef with vibrant frozen spinach, aromatic 7 Spice, and a zesty lemon finish for a heartwarming dish perfect for cozy nights in. Toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Stew
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (divided for sautéing)
- 1 pound Lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons 7 Spice (for authentic flavor)
- 2 teaspoons Salt (divided)
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper (divided)
- 5 cloves Garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon Crushed red pepper
- 20 ounces Frozen spinach (Two 10-ounce bags)
- 3 cups Chicken broth
- ¼ cup Cilantro (chopped)
- 1 juice Lemon
- â…“ cup Pine nuts (toasted)
Instructions
- Toast the 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 until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Remove and set aside for garnish.
- Brown the ground beef: In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the lean ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with 2 teaspoons of 7 Spice, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper as it cooks.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the browned beef and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add and cook spinach: Stir in the frozen spinach and cook until fully thawed and mixed thoroughly with the meat, about 4-5 minutes.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Season the stew: Add the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, crushed red pepper, chopped cilantro, and the juice of one lemon to the pot. Stir well and taste to adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the hot stew into bowls and garnish with the toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the stew hearty yet healthy.
- 7 Spice is a traditional Middle Eastern blend; if unavailable, you can substitute with equal parts cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, black pepper, and cumin.
- Toast pine nuts carefully over medium heat to avoid burning, which can cause bitterness.
- This stew can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
