Spiced Lamb and Lentil Skillet with Mint Yogurt

This vibrant and aromatic one-pan meal brings together lean lamb, hearty lentils, and colorful vegetables in a beautifully balanced dish. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and your plate with comfort.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this skillet combines rich spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon with the freshness of mint yogurt for a satisfying contrast of flavors and textures.

Whether you're cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish offers a wholesome balance of protein, fiber, and flavor—all in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

• 250g lean lamb mince
• 1 can (approx. 250g drained) pre-cooked puy or green lentils
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium courgette (zucchini), diced
• 200g chopped tomatoes (from a can)
• 100ml vegetable stock or water
• 15ml olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 pinch ground cinnamon
• 100g plain yogurt
• 1 small handful fresh mint, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the lean lamb mince to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Cook for 1 minute until the spices are aromatic.
4. Add the diced bell pepper and courgette. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
5. Pour in the chopped tomatoes, drained lentils, and vegetable stock. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it bubble gently for 8–10 minutes.
6. While the skillet simmers, prepare the sauce by mixing the plain yogurt, chopped mint, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of salt.
7. Serve the warm lamb and lentil skillet immediately, topped with a dollop of the fresh mint yogurt.

Tips & Substitutions

• Make it vegetarian: Swap lamb for cooked chickpeas or crumbled tempeh for a hearty plant-based version.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for a subtle heat that balances the cooling yogurt.
• Meal prep friendly: This dish keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge—just store the mint yogurt separately.

Nutrition

Approximate per recipe:

• Calories: 1230 kcal
• Fat: 57g
• Carbohydrates: 76g
• Fiber: 18g
• Protein: 80g

This Spiced Lamb and Lentil Skillet with Mint Yogurt is a beautiful balance of bold and fresh flavors. Quick, wholesome, and satisfying — it’s a perfect dinner to share with loved ones. Give it a try tonight and don’t forget to share your delicious results!