Spiced Lamb and Lentil Lettuce Bowls
Warm, earthy spices mingle with tender lamb and hearty lentils, nestled in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh and satisfying meal.
Total: 45 minPrep: 15 minCook: 30 min4 servingsDifficulty: Medium⭐ 4.7 (125+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 large lettuce leaves
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Steps
- 1 Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened.
- 2 Stir in garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne; cook for 1 minute.
- 3 Add ground lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- 4 Stir in diced tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer.
- 5 Add lentils, season with salt and pepper, then cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender.
- 6 While lentils cook, wash and dry lettuce leaves.
- 7 Serve the lamb and lentil mixture in lettuce leaves, garnish with fresh cilantro.
Equipment
- Large skillet with lid
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons
Variations
- Substitute ground beef or turkey for lamb.
- Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
Substitutions
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Substitute canned lentils for quicker prep.
Pairings
- Cucumber yogurt sauce
- A crisp green salad
Nutrition
Calories:
380 kcal
Fat:
18g fat
Carbs:
30g carbohydrates
Protein:
28g protein
Fiber:
8g fiber
Sugar:
4g sugar
Sodium:
400mg sodium
Tips
- Use pre-chopped onions to save time.
- If you prefer softer lettuce leaves, consider blanching them briefly.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of warm pita bread.
- A squeeze of lemon adds brightness.
FAQ
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh cilantro?
Absolutely, use 1 teaspoon of dried cilantro, but add it earlier in the cooking process.