Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner recipe? Look no further! This Middle Eastern spinach recipe is packed with fresh herbs, bright lemon, and warming spices, making it a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and it's naturally gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this simple yet extraordinary dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the foundation of the amazing flavor profile.
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Wilt the spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it wilts down, about 5-7 minutes. Don't overcrowd the pan; you may need to do this in batches if your skillet is small.
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Stir in the herbs and lemon: Once the spinach is wilted, stir in the chopped parsley and cilantro. Pour in the lemon juice and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Serve and enjoy: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with toasted pine nuts, if desired. This dish is delicious served as a side to grilled meats, fish, or alongside rice or couscous. It also makes a fantastic standalone meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Middle Eastern Spinach:
- Don't overcook the spinach: Overcooked spinach will be mushy and lose its vibrant green color. Cook it just until it wilts.
- Adjust the spices to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or other spices to your liking.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs are key to the bright, fresh flavor of this dish. If fresh herbs aren't available, you can substitute with dried herbs, but use about a third of the amount called for.
- Toast the pine nuts: Toasting the pine nuts before adding them as a garnish brings out their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
Variations:
- Add some protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked chickpeas, lentils, or crumbled feta cheese.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream at the end for a creamier texture.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Add different greens: Kale or chard can be used in place of spinach.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on additions)
- Protein: Around 5-7 grams
- Fiber: Around 4-5 grams
This Middle Eastern spinach recipe is a simple, healthy, and incredibly flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire. It's a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy!