Looking for a flavorful and healthy dinner that’s perfect for chilly nights? This spiced lamb and lentil stew with sweet potato and spinach is just the thing. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this one-pot meal offers comforting taste with major health benefits. It’s inspired by Mediterranean flavors and tailored for everyday home kitchens.
What Is Spiced Lamb and Lentil Stew?
This dish is a warm and savory stew that combines tender pieces of lamb, creamy lentils, nutrient-dense sweet potatoes, and fresh spinach. It’s slow-simmered with bold spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, and a touch of cinnamon, creating a deep and rich flavor. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes balances the earthy lentils and savory lamb, making every bite satisfying.
Health Benefits of This Nutrient-Rich Stew
Spiced lamb and lentil stew is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and iron. They support heart health, aid digestion, and help keep blood sugar stable. Lamb provides high-quality animal protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Sweet potatoes offer antioxidants like beta-carotene, which supports eye and immune health, while spinach adds a burst of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and magnesium.
Precautions: While this stew is healthy for most people, those watching their sodium intake should reduce the added salt. If you have gout or kidney issues, consult a healthcare provider before consuming large amounts of meat or high-potassium foods like sweet potatoes and spinach. For a lower-fat version, opt for lean cuts of lamb or swap with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives.
Spiced Lamb and Lentil Stew Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound (about 450g) boneless lamb shoulder or leg, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup dry brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon (for freshness)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the lamb and season with salt and pepper. Brown the lamb on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne if using. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add the browned lamb back into the pot. Pour in the broth and stir in the lentils. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Add sweet potatoes to the pot and continue to cook for another 15-20 minutes, until both lentils and sweet potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes more until wilted. Add lemon juice and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. This stew is perfect with crusty whole grain bread or over a spoonful of brown rice.
Final Thoughts
This spiced lamb and lentil stew isn’t just tasty; it’s also packed with health-promoting ingredients that make it a smart choice for dinner. It’s ideal for those following a Mediterranean-style diet or anyone looking to enjoy a balanced, satisfying meal full of flavor. Prepare a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch – it tastes even better the next day!
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