When comfort meets nutrition, this Spiced Lamb and Lentil Skillet with Minted Yogurt delivers everything you crave in a single pan. It’s rich, aromatic, and layered with Mediterranean warmth that feels both homey and sophisticated.

The magic lies in the balance: hearty lamb mince mingles with earthy lentils, vibrant spinach, and a cooling spoonful of minted yogurt for contrast. It’s a weeknight hero that’s wholesome enough for everyday dining yet elegant enough for guests.

Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results when seasoned with care.

Ingredients

• 200g lean lamb mince
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 400g canned brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• 200g chopped tomatoes
• 100g fresh spinach
• 100g plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high 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 lamb mince to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned all over. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until the spices are aromatic. Add the diced bell pepper and cook for 3–4 minutes until it begins to soften.
4. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and the rinsed lentils. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 10 minutes for the flavors to meld.
5. While the skillet simmers, prepare the sauce by combining the Greek yogurt, chopped fresh mint, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Uncover the skillet and stir in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt into the mixture, which should take about 1–2 minutes.
7. Divide the lamb and lentil mixture between two bowls and top each with a generous dollop of the minted yogurt sauce before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

• Make it vegetarian: Swap the lamb mince for cooked chickpeas or crumbled tempeh for a plant-based twist.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or harissa paste for a bolder, spicier flavor.
• Meal prep friendly: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently and add fresh yogurt before serving.

Nutrition

Approximate per serving (serves 2):

• Calories: 1150
• Fat: 52g
• Carbohydrates: 75g
• Fiber: 29g
• Protein: 82g