Sautéed onions and garlic form the fragrant base of this classic Lebanese spinach stew, or Sabanekh Wa Riz. Earthy spinach is balanced by the warmth of allspice and cinnamon, creating a deeply comforting profile that feels both wholesome and deeply grounded. It is a humble, everyday meal that relies on quality olive oil and a bright finish of lemon to pull the flavors together.
The texture is tender and silky, offering a satisfying mouthfeel when spooned over a bed of fluffy vermicelli rice. Toasted pine nuts add a necessary buttery crunch to the plate, providing contrast to the wilted greens. If you want a more substantial dinner, it is easy to stir in chickpeas or leftover ground meat during the final stages of simmering.
Preparing this dish is straightforward and quick, making it a reliable choice for busy weeknight cooking. Because the spinach wilts down rapidly, you can have a nutritious, home-cooked meal ready in under twenty minutes without much active effort in the kitchen.
Read Full StoryIf you enjoy the comforting texture of a hearty vegetable stew, you might also like exploring different global traditions. For a West African approach to leafy greens, pair your meal with a vibrant Nigerian spinach stew. Alternatively, if you are looking for another meat-free way to showcase pulses and legumes, this meatless Turkish white bean dish offers a similar level of nourishment and deep, savory satisfaction.
Key Ingredients
- Spinach: Provides the primary earthy vegetable base for this traditional Lebanese stew.
- Pine nuts: Toasted until golden to add a necessary nutty crunch and rich garnish.
- Onion: Sautéed until translucent to create a soft, aromatic foundation for the spinach.
- Garlic: Minced and cooked with onions to infuse the dish with pungent depth.
- Allspice: Acts as the signature warming spice that defines the stew's Middle Eastern flavor profile.
- Lemon juice: Drizzled over the finished dish to provide a bright, acidic contrast to the greens.
- Vegetable stock: Provides the essential liquid base for braising the spinach to the perfect consistency.
Global Stews to Explore Next
- Indonesian sweet soy beef stew offers a deeper, darker umami profile that contrasts perfectly with the brightness of fresh spinach.
- If you prefer combining protein with legumes, this Indian lamb and lentil stew provides a thicker, more robust texture for your dinner table.
- For those who enjoy the unique texture of stewed vegetables, this traditional Egyptian okra stew is a fantastic way to experiment with different seasonal produce.
Sabanekh Wa Riz (Lebanese Spinach Stew)
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Curated by Aprilia Wanson in Austin, TX — I research and organize easy recipes so you can cook with what you have. More about how I create content →