Description
A wholesome and flavorful one-pot meal combining tender lamb, fresh spinach, and fluffy long-grain rice, simmered with aromatic spices and minimal cleanup. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, this dish balances rich meatiness with vibrant greens and comforting warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Rice
- 500g diced lamb shoulder or leg
- 1½ cups long-grain rice
Vegetables
- 150g fresh spinach, washed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
Spices & Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Liquids & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups chicken or lamb broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the lamb into bite-sized pieces and finely chop onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Thoroughly wash the spinach and set all ingredients within reach.
- Sauté Aromatics and Lamb: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Add the diced lamb and sauté until browned on all sides to lock in flavor.
- Add Spices and Tomatoes: Sprinkle cumin, paprika, and cinnamon over the lamb. Stir well to evenly coat. Add diced tomatoes and cook for a few minutes until they soften and release juices.
- Incorporate Rice and Broth: Stir in the long-grain rice, combining it with the lamb and spices. Pour in the broth, season with salt and pepper, then bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer and Add Spinach: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook undisturbed for about 15 minutes. Add fresh spinach on top, cover again, and let it wilt for 5 more minutes.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove from heat, gently fluff the rice with a fork to combine the spinach evenly, and serve hot straight from the pot.
Notes
- Choose quality lamb cuts for juicier, more tender meat.
- Patience with browning the lamb enhances flavor depth.
- Measure broth precisely to avoid overcooked or mushy rice.
- Add spinach at the end to preserve its bright color and nutrients.
- Let the dish rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking to meld flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg