Egyptian Spinach in Tomato Sauce

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EGYPTIAN SABANIKH | SPINACH IN TOMATO SAUCE

Yield 6

Prep time

15 Min

Cook time

55 Min

Total time

1 H & 10 M

Egyptian spinach, known as sabanikh in Arabic, is a comforting and flavorful dish made with tender spinach simmered in a spiced tomato sauce infused with garlic, coriander, and fresh herbs. It’s a popular home-cooked meal across Egypt, often served with vermicelli rice. While traditionally made with meat or broth, this vegan version delivers all the rich, savory flavors using only plant-based ingredients. It is perfect for a nourishing and satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

For the Tomato Sauce:

• olive oil
• 1 yellow onion
• 4–6 garlic cloves
• 2 pounds tomatoes
• ground coriander
• sea salt
• black pepper
• 1 cup water (or vegetable broth)

For the Greens:

• 24 ounces spinach
• parsley
• cilantro

For the Garlic and Coriander Topping:

• olive oil
• 4–6 garlic cloves
• ground coriander

Instructions

Make the Tomato Sauce:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and fry 1 diced yellow onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent.
2. Add 4–6 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant.
3. Stir in 2 pounds of diced tomatoes and mix well.
4. Season with ground coriander, sea salt, and black pepper to taste.
5. Pour in 1 cup of water (or vegetable broth) and combine thoroughly.
6. Cover and simmer the sauce over medium heat for about 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
7. Blend the cooked tomato mixture using an immersion blender until smooth.
8. Add extra water or vegetable broth as needed to achieve a lighter, more fluid consistency.

Add the Greens:

1. Add 24 ounces of spinach to the sauce along with chopped parsley and cilantro.
2. Cook over low heat for 2–5 minutes until the greens are just wilted.

Make the Garlic and Coriander Topping:

1. Heat olive oil in a small pan and fry 4–6 minced garlic cloves until lightly browned.
2. Stir in ground coriander and cook briefly to release aroma.
3. Pour the garlic mixture into the spinach sauce and combine well.

Serve:

1. Serve sabanikh on top of or alongside vermicelli rice and enjoy.

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