Spinach with meat is a hearty and versatile dish enjoyed across many cultures, offering a delicious blend of savory flavors and nutritious greens. This classic combination, whether featuring tender lamb, succulent beef, or flavorful chicken, provides a satisfying meal that's perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting weeknight dinner. The rich depth of the meat pairs beautifully with the earthy sweetness of spinach, creating a symphony of tastes that will please even the most discerning palates. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences, using different cuts of meat and adding your favorite spices for a unique culinary experience.
This recipe explores a specific and flavorful preparation of spinach and meat, focusing on techniques that maximize both the tenderness of the meat and the vibrancy of the spinach. Ready to dive into the culinary adventure? Let's embark on a step-by-step journey to create this delicious and nutritious dish.
Tools Needed
- Medium-sized pot
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- Spinach: 1 kg
- Beef steak: 400g
- Onions: 1 cup, chopped
- Butter: 1 large spoon
- Olive oil: 1 large spoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Seven spices: 1 teaspoon
- Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Water: 4 cups, hot
- Jasmine rice
- Garlic: 4 cloves, crushed
- Coriander: 1 bunch, finely chopped (approx. 75g)
- Nutmeg: a little
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients and Brown the Beef
- Wash the spinach thoroughly three times until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain for about half an hour.
- Roughly chop the spinach into 2cm pieces.
- Cut the beef into small squares.
- In a pot over medium-high heat, melt butter and olive oil. Add chopped onions and stir until wilted (a few minutes).
- Add the beef to the pot and stir for 3 minutes, until lightly golden. Season with salt, seven spices, cinnamon, and black pepper.
- Stir the meat and onions with the spices until the meat is slightly cooked, then add water and cover. Allow to simmer until cooked (at least 1 hour).
Step 2. Cook the Spinach and Season
- Add half the spinach to the pot and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until wilted. Repeat with the remaining spinach.
- In a frying pan, sauté crushed garlic, olive oil, salt, and chopped coriander until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Add the garlic-coriander mixture to the cooked spinach.
- Stir in a little nutmeg into the spinach.
Step 3. Prepare the Peppered Rice
- Cook the rice according to package directions.
Step 4. Assemble and Serve
- Serve the spinach stew over the cooked rice.
Tips
- For softer meat, cook it longer. You can also adjust the amount of water to control the consistency of the stew.
- Add coriander and garlic at the beginning or at the end—personal preference!
- The amount of water needed for cooking rice depends on the type and whether it’s soaked or not. Adjust accordingly.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of beef for this stew?
Yes! Stewing beef, chuck roast, or even short ribs work well. Just ensure it's a cut suitable for slow cooking.
2. What if I don't have allspice? Can I substitute it?
While allspice adds a unique warmth, you can substitute it with a mix of ground cloves and cinnamon (about 1/4 teaspoon of each per teaspoon of allspice).
This Lebanese Beef Spinach Stew with Peppered Rice offers a comforting and flavorful escape from the winter chill. The combination of tender beef, vibrant spinach, and fragrant spices creates a truly satisfying and memorable meal. Enjoy this warming dish, perfect for sharing with loved ones on a cozy night in.