Iraqi spinach stew with rice and chickpeas

My family had to leave Iraq, but we kept our culture and traditions alive through food and this easy Iraqi stew holds so many memories.

Iraqi spinach stew

• serves

  4

• prep

  15 minutes

• cook

  30 minutes

• difficulty

  Easy

"I grew up in an Assyrian family in Baghdad, surrounded by our family and friends. My parents decided it was not safe for us when we attempted to flee the dangers. We had to leave our home in Iraq behind because of the threats, wars and dangers we were living, just surviving. From the day I was born, there was a war in Iraq. My father was unable to leave his military duties either. My mum took my siblings and me and attempted to leave for the second time, in 1992. This time we were able to make our way to Jordan. We spent nearly two years in Greece, and our visa applications were refused until one agency considered our application women at risk visa to Australia.

It was an amazing feeling to know we are now safe and call Australia our new home. I had been excited to start school and make friends and meet new people. We knew that Australia was going to be a country we can live happily in and safely.

Growing up in Australia, my aim was to become a lawyer and help the most vulnerable members of the community, help refugees apply for visas and to settle in Australia. My dream became a reality when I became a lawyer and worked in the government sector, particularly in migration law. Hearing refugees' stories and learning about their journeys, was what instilled my passion to continue to help as many refugees and asylum seekers."

 

Ingredients

• ½ cup sliced brown onion
• 1 garlic, crushed
• 1 chilli, chopped
• 1 cup cubed white potatoes (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 cups boiling water
• 150 g tomato paste
• 350 g fresh spinach leaves
• 1 tsp citric acid

Instructions

1. Add oil to a saucepan on medium heat. Saute onion, garlic and chilli until the onions begin to sweat.
2. Turn temperature to low heat, add chopped potato, salt and two cups of boiling water and simmer.
3. Stir in tomato paste and citric acid and toss through the spinach for 2-3 minutes until combined and the potato has cooked through.

Cook's Notes

Oven temperatures are for conventional; if using fan-forced (convection), reduce the temperature by 20˚C. | We use Australian tablespoons and cups: 1 teaspoon equals 5 ml; 1 tablespoon equals 20 ml; 1 cup equals 250 ml. | All herbs are fresh (unless specified) and cups are lightly packed. | All vegetables are medium size and peeled, unless specified. | All eggs are 55-60 g, unless specified.

"I grew up in an Assyrian family in Baghdad, surrounded by our family and friends. My parents decided it was not safe for us when we attempted to flee the dangers. We had to leave our home in Iraq behind because of the threats, wars and dangers we were living, just surviving. From the day I was born, there was a war in Iraq. My father was unable to leave his military duties either. My mum took my siblings and me and attempted to leave for the second time, in 1992. This time we were able to make our way to Jordan. We spent nearly two years in Greece, and our visa applications were refused until one agency considered our application women at risk visa to Australia.

It was an amazing feeling to know we are now safe and call Australia our new home. I had been excited to start school and make friends and meet new people. We knew that Australia was going to be a country we can live happily in and safely.

Growing up in Australia, my aim was to become a lawyer and help the most vulnerable members of the community, help refugees apply for visas and to settle in Australia. My dream became a reality when I became a lawyer and worked in the government sector, particularly in migration law. Hearing refugees' stories and learning about their journeys, was what instilled my passion to continue to help as many refugees and asylum seekers."