Sabanekh Wa Riz (Lebanese Spinach Stew)

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 2 tbsp pine nuts
• 1&1/2 cups onion (finely diced)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp allspice powder
• 1/4 tsp coriander powder
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper (to taste)
• 7-10 cups fresh or frozen spinach
• 1/2 cup vegetable stock or water (half the amount if using frozen spinach)
• 4 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Steps ---

2. 2

   Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium high.

3. 3

   Add pine nuts, fry for 2-3 mins till they turn golden brown (stirring continuously), remove & set aside to cool.

4. 4

   In the same pot, add remaining olive oil, onion & garlic, cook till onion turns translucent.

5. 5

   Add spice powders, stir for 1 min then add spinach, vegetable stock, salt & pepper.

6. 6

   Stir well & cook for 10 mins (at this point, you can add precooked ground beef or 1 cup of canned chickpeas)

7. 7

   Taste to adjust seasoning & remove from heat.

8. 8

   Ladle stew onto rice, drizzle 1 tbsp lemon over spinach stew, sprinkle toasted pine nuts (if using) & serve.