Ingredients

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

⅓ cup pine nuts (toasted)

Instructions

Step 1: 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.

Step 2: 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.

Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the browned beef and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Step 4: Stir in the frozen spinach and cook until fully thawed and mixed thoroughly with the meat, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: 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.

Step 7: Ladle the hot stew into bowls and garnish with the toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately for best taste.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with cooked lentils or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Adjust the crushed red pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.

Adding a dollop of plain yogurt on top can add a creamy contrast to the stew.

Use fresh spinach if preferred; just reduce cooking time accordingly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach. Use about 1.5 pounds of fresh leaves and add them during the cooking step, cooking just until wilted, which will take less time than frozen spinach.

What is 7 Spice seasoning?

7 Spice is a Middle Eastern blend typically consisting of cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, black pepper, and coriander. It adds warm, aromatic flavors to dishes and can be found at specialty spice shops or online.