Description
This aromatic Lamb and Chickpea Stew with Spinach is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring ground lamb simmered with aromatic spices, fire roasted tomatoes, and nutrient-packed chickpeas. Spinach is stirred in at the end for a fresh, vibrant finish. Perfect for meal prep and freezing, this stew delivers rich Middle Eastern-inspired flavors in every comforting bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 4 cups spinach
Spices and Seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Liquids and Legumes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 14 ounces canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 14 ounces fire roasted diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Saute Onions: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Saute the onions until tender and translucent, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
- Brown the Lamb: Add the ground lamb to the pot with another pinch of salt and pepper. Begin breaking up the meat using a wooden spoon. Add cinnamon, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, if using. Continue cooking and stirring until the lamb is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Broth and Vegetables: Once the lamb is browned, pour in the chicken broth, drained chickpeas, and fire roasted diced tomatoes. Stir to combine everything well.
- Simmer: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the stew to thicken slightly.
- Add Spinach and Serve: Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- This lamb stew is perfect for preparing in advance and freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
- For a richer broth, consider using homemade chicken broth or bone broth.
- Serve with crusty bread or over couscous for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 930 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 58 mg
