A one-pot Mediterranean meal with tender lamb, orzo, spinach, and smoky aromatic spices.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb boneless lamb shoulder or leg, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1 tbsp smoked paprika
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
07 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
08 - 3.5 oz baby spinach
→ Spices & Seasonings
09 - 1 tsp ground cumin
10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - ½ tsp ground cinnamon
12 - ¼ tsp dried chili flakes (optional)
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Grains & Liquids
14 - 1 cup orzo pasta
15 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
16 - 1 tbsp olive oil
→ Garnishes
17 - ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
18 - Fresh parsley, chopped
19 - Lemon wedges
# How-To Steps:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss lamb cubes with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add to the pot and sear for 3 to 4 minutes until evenly browned. Remove lamb and set aside.
02 - Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion to the pot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
03 - Incorporate ground cumin, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, and chili flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Return the seared lamb to the pot. Add canned diced tomatoes and stock. Bring mixture to a boil, then lower heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
05 - Stir in orzo pasta and continue simmering for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
06 - Fold baby spinach into the pot and cook for 2 minutes until wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Plate the dish hot, garnished with crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and lemon wedges.
