Palestinian Spinach and Lentil Stew with Lemon
A heartwarming and nourishing Palestinian stew that perfectly blends the earthiness of lentils with the freshness of spinach, enhanced by a vibrant touch of lemon. This stew is a staple in Palestinian cuisine, offering a comforting and satisfying meal with a balance of flavors that appeal to a broad range of palates.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown lentils rinsed
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 pound fresh spinach roughly chopped
- 1 large lemon juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- Add the rinsed lentils to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth or water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- Once the lentils are cooked, add the chopped spinach to the pot in batches, allowing each batch to wilt before adding the next.
- After all the spinach has been incorporated and wilted, stir in the fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Continue to simmer the stew for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the stew hot, garnished with lemon slices for an extra pop of flavor.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can use chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable broth.
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can puree a portion of the lentils before adding the spinach.
This stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
To make this dish vegan, ensure that the broth used is vegetable-based.
Adjust the level of spices to suit your taste preferences, and add more lemon juice if you prefer a tangier flavor.