If you’re longing for a warm, comforting dish that feels like a big cozy hug, this Delicious Lebanese Spinach Stew for Cozy Nights In Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Rich with aromatic spices, tender ground beef, and vibrant spinach, every spoonful bursts with authentic Middle Eastern flavors that are both nourishing and satisfying. It’s a stew that easily becomes an instant favorite, perfect for winding down after a long day or sharing at a casual dinner with friends. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that come together in under an hour, making it as simple as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to capturing the soul of this dish. Each component plays a role: from the fragrant 7 Spice seasoning that brings depth, to the bright lemon juice balancing the richness, and of course, the spinach that lends lovely color and texture. These ingredients are straightforward but create a stew full of layers and warmth.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Essential for sautéing and adding a fruity, smooth base flavor.
- Lean ground beef (1 pound): Provides hearty protein and richness without overwhelming fat.
- 7 Spice (2 teaspoons): A blend of traditional Lebanese spices that infuse warmth and character.
- Salt (2 teaspoons, divided): Balances and enhances all the flavors throughout cooking.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle, sharp heat to complement the spices.
- Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Brings aromatic pungency and depth to the stew.
- Crushed red pepper (½ teaspoon): Offers a gentle kick without overpowering the dish.
- Frozen spinach (20 ounces): Keeps the dish fresh and vibrant while convenient and nutritious.
- Chicken broth (3 cups): Builds the flavorful, comforting liquid base for the stew.
- Cilantro (¼ cup, chopped): Adds fresh herbaceous brightness.
- Lemon juice (from 1 lemon): Delivers a zesty acidity that lifts all the ingredients.
- Pine nuts (â…“ cup, toasted): Provides a delightful nutty crunch to finish the dish.
How to Make Delicious Lebanese Spinach Stew for Cozy Nights In Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Pine Nuts
Start by warming 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and gently toast them until they turn golden brown, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning. Once toasted, remove the pine nuts from the pot and set them aside. These will add a lovely crunch and toasty flavor at the very end.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and introduce the lean ground beef. As it cooks, sprinkle on the 7 Spice blend, 1 teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Browning the meat properly brings out intense, savory notes that form the backbone of this stew. Stir frequently, breaking up the meat until it’s fully cooked and fragrant.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Next, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute until you can smell its heady aroma filling your kitchen. This short cooking step mellows the garlic’s sharpness and enhances its sweet undertones, building layers of flavor.
Step 4: Add the Spinach
Introduce the frozen spinach right into the pot. Stir it thoroughly into the beef mixture and cook until the spinach is completely thawed and well combined, roughly 4 to 5 minutes. The spinach not only boosts nutrition but adds a lovely texture and deep, earthy color that makes this dish so inviting.
Step 5: Simmer with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth to the pot and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This step melds the flavors, allowing the spices to diffuse evenly through the stew and soften any remaining sharp edges. Let it simmer gently so the stew thickens just right.
Step 6: Season and Finish
Season your stew with the remaining salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Stir in the chopped cilantro and squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the top. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The lemon juice adds a bright, fresh note that elevates the entire dish. Finally, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on top just before serving for that signature crunch and nutty finish.
How to Serve Delicious Lebanese Spinach Stew for Cozy Nights In Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, garnish this stew simply with extra fresh cilantro leaves and a wedge of lemon on the side. The bright green contrasts beautifully with the stew’s deep hues and invites your guests to add a custom splash of citrus.
Side Dishes
This stew pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice, warm pita bread, or even a hearty grain like bulgur or quinoa. These sides soak up the flavorful broth, making each bite ultra satisfying. A crisp, refreshing cucumber and tomato salad also complements the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stew in rustic stone bowls or deep ceramic dishes to emphasize its homemade comfort vibe. For an extra touch, drizzle a little olive oil on top or add a dollop of creamy yogurt for a luscious contrast. Inviting, simple touches make this dish a star at any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, transfer the stew into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better as they meld, so it’s perfect for next-day enjoyment.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, preserving all the delicious spices and textures.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid boiling to keep the spinach tender and prevent the beef from becoming tough. A quick splash of broth or water can freshen it up if needed.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh spinach works great and just needs to be washed and roughly chopped before adding. Use about 2 pounds to match the volume of frozen spinach and cook until wilted.
What is 7 Spice seasoning?
7 Spice is a traditional Lebanese blend combining warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, and cumin. It’s essential here for authentic flavor but can be substituted with a mild curry powder or a mix of similar individual spices if you don’t have it on hand.
Is this stew very spicy?
This Delicious Lebanese Spinach Stew for Cozy Nights In Recipe has a gentle heat from crushed red pepper but is mostly warm and aromatic rather than fiery. You can easily adjust the chili to suit your taste or omit it entirely for a milder dish.
Can this stew be made vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a hearty vegetarian version that’s just as cozy and nutritious.
How can I make this stew gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided your spice blends and broth are certified gluten-free. It’s a fantastic comfort food that fits beautifully into a gluten-free diet without any special modifications.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about making and sharing this Delicious Lebanese Spinach Stew for Cozy Nights In Recipe. It’s a tender balance of spices, fresh ingredients, and simple techniques that come together to create a meal full of love and comfort. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this stew promises smiles and satisfied bellies all around. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite way to unwind and nourish!
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Delicious Lebanese Spinach Stew for Cozy Nights In Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Description
Enjoy a warm and comforting Lebanese Spinach Stew, featuring tender ground beef, flavorful spices, and vibrant spinach, perfect for cozy nights in. This hearty stew blends aromatic 7 Spice seasoning with fresh lemon and toasted pine nuts for an authentic Middle Eastern taste.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound Lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons 7 Spice (for authentic flavor)
- 2 teaspoons Salt (divided)
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Crushed red pepper
Vegetables and Herbs
- 20 ounces Frozen spinach (Two 10-ounce bags)
- 5 cloves Garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup Cilantro (chopped)
- 1 juice Lemon
Oils and Broth
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (for sautéing)
- 3 cups Chicken broth
Garnish
- â…“ 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 until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the pine nuts from the pot and set aside for later use as garnish.
- Brown the Beef: In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the lean ground beef and cook, stirring to break it apart. Season the beef with 2 teaspoons of 7 Spice, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the beef and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the frozen spinach, continuing to cook for 4-5 minutes until the spinach is fully thawed and well integrated with the beef mixture.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the 3 cups of chicken broth, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes until flavors meld together.
- Season the Stew: Add the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and crushed red pepper to the stew. Stir in chopped cilantro and squeeze the juice of one lemon over the stew. Mix well and taste to adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the stew hot, garnished generously with the toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with a plant-based mince or add chickpeas for protein.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the crushed red pepper to your preference.
- Use fresh spinach if available; just reduce cooking time since fresh spinach wilts faster than frozen.
- Toast pine nuts carefully as they can burn quickly; stirring frequently helps even toasting.
