If you are on the lookout for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, you absolutely must try this Delicious Lebanese Spinach Stew for Cozy Nights In Recipe. This stew is a beautiful blend of tender spinach, fragrant spices, and juicy ground beef, all simmered gently in a rich broth that beckons you to come home and savor every spoonful. The freshness from lemon juice and the crunch of toasted pine nuts bring an irresistible balance to this comforting classic that makes it perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a pantry full of complicated items to whip up this delicious Lebanese spinach stew. Every ingredient plays a key role—whether it’s adding depth, texture, or a pop of brightness—to create a stew that feels thoughtfully crafted yet wonderfully simple.
- Olive oil: Used for both toasting pine nuts and sautéing beef, it lends a subtle fruitiness to the dish.
- Lean ground beef: Adds hearty protein and a rich, meaty base that complements the greens.
- 7 Spice: A traditional Lebanese blend that offers warmth and complexity to the flavor.
- Salt: Vital for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Black pepper: Lends just enough mild heat to awaken your palate.
- Garlic: Adds an aromatic punch that infuses the stew with savory depth.
- Crushed red pepper: A subtle hint of spice to brighten the dish without overpowering it.
- Frozen spinach: The star leafy green, bringing earthiness and vibrant color.
- Chicken broth: Provides a flavorful liquid that ties all the ingredients together.
- Cilantro: Chopped fresh for that burst of herbal freshness right before serving.
- Lemon juice: Essential for cutting through the richness with a bright citrus note.
- Pine nuts: Toasted until golden to add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Make Delicious Lebanese Spinach Stew for Cozy Nights In Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Pine Nuts
Start by warming a large pot over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, toss in the pine nuts. Keep them moving in the pan so they brown evenly without burning—this takes about 3 to 4 minutes and transforms them into crunchy, golden nuggets that add a special texture to the finished stew. Once toasted, set the pine nuts aside to save for garnishing later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In the same pot, drizzle in the remaining olive oil and add the lean ground beef. As the beef cooks, sprinkle in the 7 Spice, one teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. The 7 Spice is key to giving the beef that authentic Lebanese flavor, and browning it well will develop a rich, savory base for the stew that’s truly mouthwatering.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Once the beef is nicely browned, add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook it for about one minute just until fragrant, careful not to burn it, because garlic brings a lovely depth that enhances the entire stew with its warmth and aroma.
Step 4: Add the Spinach
Pour the frozen spinach into the pot with the beef and garlic. Cook it down until it’s fully thawed and mixed in well, usually around 4 to 5 minutes. This step lets the flavors start to meld and softens the spinach so it becomes tender without losing its vibrant green color.
Step 5: Simmer with Broth and Season
Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This is where the stew starts to come together as the broth absorbs all those wonderful beef and spice flavors. Then, add the remaining salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper, chopped cilantro, and finally squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. Stir everything together and taste to adjust the seasoning if needed. The lemon juice really brightens the stew, balancing the richness perfectly.
Step 6: Serve Warm with Toasted Pine Nuts
Once your stew has simmered and the flavors are harmonized, ladle it into bowls. Top each serving with the toasted pine nuts you prepared earlier for a wonderful textural contrast and a little nutty crunch that’s simply divine.
How to Serve Delicious Lebanese Spinach Stew for Cozy Nights In Recipe
Garnishes
Though the toasted pine nuts bring that lovely crunch, feel free to sprinkle extra chopped cilantro or a wedge of fresh lemon on the side. A dollop of plain yogurt also pairs beautifully if you want to add a creamy touch that cools the palate.
Side Dishes
This stew is hearty but also pairs beautifully with sides like warm pita bread or fluffy rice to soak up the flavorful broth. A simple cucumber and tomato salad on the side adds a refreshing crispness that complements the stew’s earthiness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this stew in individual rustic bowls with a side of flatbread torn into bite-sized pieces. You can also drizzle some extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sumac on top to give it an extra pop of color and zing, making your cozy meal feel even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Delicious Lebanese Spinach Stew for Cozy Nights In Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, allowing the spices to deepen in flavor even more as it rests.
Freezing
This stew also freezes well, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Frozen, it can last up to two months. When you’re ready for a comforting meal, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat your delicious stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to warm everything evenly. If it feels too thick, add a splash of water or broth to bring back that perfect stew-like consistency. Heating it slowly preserves the texture and makes it taste just like fresh.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh spinach works well if you prefer it. Use about twice the volume because spinach shrinks a lot when cooked. Just make sure to wash it thoroughly and add it towards the end of cooking to keep it vibrant.
What is 7 Spice seasoning?
7 Spice is a traditional Lebanese blend typically made with warm spices like allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes cloves or black pepper. It adds a wonderful aroma and depth that’s essential to the authentic taste of this stew.
Is this stew spicy?
This recipe has a mild warmth thanks to a touch of crushed red pepper and black pepper, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can always adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to suit your taste.
Can I make this vegetarian?
You can easily adapt this recipe by skipping the ground beef and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding chickpeas or lentils would boost the protein and keep the stew hearty and satisfying.
What can I serve with this stew for a fuller meal?
Pair it with fluffy rice, warm pita bread, or even a simple salad featuring cucumbers and tomatoes dressed in lemon and olive oil. These sides complement the stew’s warmth and make for a balanced, nourishing meal.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about a bowl of this Delicious Lebanese Spinach Stew for Cozy Nights In Recipe that just makes you feel lucky to be sitting down to enjoy it. It’s an easy, soulful dish that delivers layers of flavor without any fuss, perfect for those evenings when you want comfort and flavor wrapped into one. Trust me, once you try it, this stew will become your go-to for cozy nights at home.
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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
This delicious Lebanese Spinach Stew is perfect for cozy nights in, combining tender ground beef with flavorful spices, garlicky spinach, and a bright lemon finish. Toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch, making this hearty stew both comforting and nutritious.
Ingredients
Meat and Spices
- 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
- 5 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 20 ounces Frozen spinach (Two 10-ounce bags)
- ¼ cup Cilantro (chopped)
- 1 juice Lemon
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (for sautéing)
- 3 cups Chicken broth
- 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 the toasted pine nuts from the pot and set aside for garnishing later.
- Brown the beef: In the same pot, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the lean ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned. Season the beef with 2 teaspoons of 7 Spice, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper while cooking. Stir frequently to break up the meat evenly.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.
- Add spinach: Stir in the frozen spinach and cook until it is fully thawed and well incorporated with the beef, about 4-5 minutes. Break up any clumps of spinach as it thaws.
- Simmer the stew: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for a few minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Season and finish: 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 seasonings as desired.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish each serving with the toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor. Enjoy hot.
Notes
- 7 Spice is a traditional Middle Eastern blend; if unavailable, substitute with a mix of cinnamon, allspice, cumin, coriander, black pepper, cloves, and nutmeg.
- For a vegetarian variation, omit the ground beef and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- To make the stew spicier, increase the amount of crushed red pepper to taste.
- Pine nuts can be toasted in a dry skillet if preferred.
- Use fresh spinach if available; just roughly chop and sauté until wilted, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
