Beef & Spinach Stew

Servings: 2

Seven-spice blend, well known throughout the Middle East, is made, unsurprisingly, from a blend of seven different spices. The recipe varies depending on the region, but my favorite is the Lebanese version, containing allspice, cinnamon, black pepper, ground cloves, coriander, cumin, and nutmeg. Here we use the blend to enrich a comforting beef and spinach stew.

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound ground beef
2 medium onions, minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons Lebanese seven-spice blend
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
20 ounces frozen spinach, thawed
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 cups chicken broth
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon lemon zest

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan set over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, using a spoon to break the meat into small chunks, for 9–10 minutes, until browned.
2. Add the onions and garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the onions are translucent.
3. Stir in the seven-spice, salt, and red pepper flakes and cook for 2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Stir in the spinach and cilantro and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the spinach is heated through. Add the chicken broth and cook for 5–7 minutes, until the broth has reduced by half and slightly thickened.
5. Meanwhile, mix together the lemon juice and zest in a small bowl.
6. Remove the stew from the heat and divide between two serving bowls. Top with the lemon mixture and serve.

NUTRITION • per one serving • 

Calories 410
Total Fat 19.2 g 30%
Saturated Fat 6.1 g 31%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4 g —
Monounsaturated Fat 8.8 g —
Trans Fat 0.4 g —
Cholesterol 105 mg 35%
Sodium 1016 mg 42%
Total Carbohydrates 19.8 g 7%
Dietary Fiber 5.6 g 22%
Total Sugars 6.5 g —
Protein 40.8 g 82%
Vitamin A 5160 mcg 345%
Vitamin C 17 mcg 31%
Vitamin D 0.05 mcg —
Potassium 1151 mg 24%
Calcium 224 mg 22%
Iron 6.7 mg 38%

This AMAZING Recipe can be found in my new The Mediterranean Refresh Under 30 Minutes cookbook here