Middle Eastern Spicy Lentil & Spinach Stew

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Red lentils (dry)
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1/2 medium Onion
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp Chili flakes
• 1 tbsp Tomato paste
• 2 cups Vegetable broth (or water)
• 3 cups Baby spinach
• 1/4 cup Plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp Salt(optional)
• 1/8 tsp Black pepper(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep (10 minutes): Rinse the lentils. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Measure spices, tomato paste, broth, spinach, and yogurt.

2. 2

   Cook (30 minutes): Heat olive oil in a small pot over medium heat. Sauté onion with a pinch of salt until softened, 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

3. 3

   Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, and chili flakes, then add tomato paste and cook 1 minute to toast the spices.

4. 4

   Add lentils and broth. Bring to a simmer, then cook until lentils are tender and the stew thickens, 20–25 minutes.

5. 5

   Add spinach and stir until wilted, 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper if desired.

6. 6

   Finish: Mix yogurt with lemon juice and drizzle over the stew just before serving.