Ingredients
Scale
Core Ingredients:
- 500g lamb (diced, shoulder or leg)
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
- 1 cup uncooked rice (long-grain or basmati)
- 2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen)
Aromatics & Spices:
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Liquids & Extras:
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
1 – Prepare the Ingredients:
- Rinse the lentils under cold water.
- Wash the rice until the water runs clear.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Trim excess fat from the lamb and cut into bite-sized pieces.
2 – Sear the Lamb:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Brown the lamb on all sides (about 5–7 minutes).
- Remove and set aside.
3 – Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the same pot.
- Sauté the diced onion until golden (about 5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4 – Cook the Lentils:
- Add lentils, cumin, turmeric, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick.
- Pour in 2 cups of stock and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes.
5 – Cook the Rice & Lamb:
- Add the washed rice and seared lamb back into the pot.
- Pour in 1 more cup of stock, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
6 – Add the Spinach:
- Stir in the spinach and let it wilt for 2–3 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7 – Serve & Enjoy:
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Swap lamb for chickpeas or mushrooms.
- Alternative Greens: Substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard.
- Rice Substitutes: Use quinoa or bulgur for a different texture.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 65mg