Spiced Beef and Lentil Wat with White Rice

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large yellow onions, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek (optional, for authentic flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (5 ounce) bag fresh spinach
• 3 cups white rice, uncooked
• 6 cups water (for rice)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)