Picture this: the sun setting over the vibrant streets of Accra, the air filled with the sounds of bustling markets, and the tantalizing aroma of something rich and hearty wafting from a nearby kitchen. This, my friend, is the essence captured in a bowl of Ghanaian Spinach Stew. A dish that blends earthy greens with a symphony of spices, creating a flavor experience that’s both comforting and adventurous—like discovering a cozy nook in a city you’ve never been before.
Steps
- In a heavy-bottomed sauté pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toast the pine nuts until they turn golden. Remove the pine nuts from the pan and set them aside for later use.
- Using the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and cook the ground beef over medium-high heat. Season with 7 Spice, salt, and pepper, and cook until the meat is browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan, leaving the oil and juices behind.
- Add cilantro, garlic, and crushed red pepper to the same pan, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant. Add frozen spinach directly to the pan without thawing, seasoning with salt, and cook until it softens, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth or water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reintroduce the cooked ground beef and toasted pine nuts to the pan, lower the heat, and let the stew simmer for 20 minutes until it thickens.
- After simmering, stir in lemon juice to enhance the flavors. Serve the stew over traditional Arabic rice pilaf or your choice of rice.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon 7 Spice mix
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons frozen cilantro
- 2 tablespoons frozen garlic
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 20 ounces frozen spinach
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- Lemon juice to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 157kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 765mg | Potassium: 336mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 174IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 2mg
FAQ
- What should I serve with Lebanese Spinach Stew?
- Lebanese stews, known as yakhneh, are typically served alongside Vermicelli Rice, similar to how curries are paired with rice. For those seeking a lower-carb alternative, quinoa is an excellent option.
- How can I thicken the spinach stew?
- The broth naturally thickens as the spinach wilts. You can adjust the amount of chicken broth you add based on your preference, keeping in mind that the stew will continue to thicken as it sits. If you desire an even thicker consistency, consider incorporating a starch like potatoes.
- How long does the spinach stew last in storage?
- After preparing the stew, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will remain fresh in the refrigerator for approximately four days. The stew can also be frozen for longer storage; simply defrost it in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop when ready to serve.
- Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen for this recipe?
- While fresh spinach can be used, it requires more preparation and a larger quantity—about two pounds of fresh spinach—to equal the 20 ounces of frozen spinach called for in the recipe. Frozen spinach is convenient and works perfectly well in this dish.
- Is it possible to make this stew vegan?
- Yes, you can easily make this stew vegan by omitting the beef or substituting it with chickpeas for a plant-based protein alternative.
Tips
- Utilize a heavy-bottomed sauté pan: This type of pan ensures even heat distribution, helping to prevent burning the pine nuts or garlic during cooking.
- Opt for frozen cilantro and garlic: Preparing and freezing these ingredients in advance can significantly reduce prep time, making the cooking process quicker and more efficient.
- Choose frozen spinach for convenience: Frozen spinach eliminates the need for washing and chopping fresh spinach, saving time and effort. Plus, it cooks directly from frozen, requiring less preparation.
- Simmer for optimal thickness: The stew will naturally thicken as the spinach wilts. Adjust the amount of chicken broth to your preference, and consider adding potatoes if you desire a thicker consistency.
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed sauté pan – Essential for even heat distribution to avoid burning ingredients like pine nuts or garlic.
- Airtight containers – Useful for storing leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
- Freezer bags or containers – For storing frozen cilantro and garlic, if you choose to prepare and freeze your own.
