Ground Lamb and Chickpea Skillet with Tomatoes
In short: Ground lamb simmered with chickpeas, tomatoes and warm spices, then finished with spinach and lemon in one pan, good with rice or flatbread. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 440 kcal
Ground lamb has a gamey richness that stands up to cumin, coriander and a pinch of cinnamon, and chickpeas make the dish more filling and stretch the meat. This skillet takes about 40 minutes. The lamb is browned with onion, simmered with tomatoes and chickpeas, and finished with spinach and a squeeze of lemon. Spoon it over rice, serve it with flatbread and yogurt, or pile it into baked sweet potatoes.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb for 6 to 7 minutes, breaking it up, until no pink remains. Spoon off all but 1 tbsp of the fat.
- Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, chili flakes and salt and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the tomatoes, chickpeas and water. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce is thick.
- Stir in the spinach a handful at a time until it wilts, about 2 minutes.
- Add the lemon juice, taste for salt, scatter with the herbs and serve.
Tips
- Ground beef or turkey can replace the lamb, and the spices still work well.
- Stir in 2 tbsp of chopped dried apricots or raisins for a sweet contrast, or top the dish with toasted pine nuts.
Questions and answers
Can I freeze ground lamb and chickpea skillet?
Yes. Freeze it in portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight. Add the lemon juice and fresh herbs after reheating.
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes. Use about 100 g (1/2 cup) of dried chickpeas, soaked and boiled until tender, which gives roughly 240 g (1 1/2 cups) cooked, the same as one drained can.
What should I serve with it?
Rice, couscous, flatbread or baked sweet potatoes all work. A spoonful of yogurt and a cucumber salad finish the plate.
How long does it take to make Ground Lamb and Chickpea Skillet with Tomatoes?
About 40 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Ground Lamb and Chickpea Skillet with Tomatoes?
About 440 kcal per serving, with 30 g of protein, 22 g of carbohydrates and 23 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 440 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 23 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 920 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
