Beef Stew the Mediterranean Way in the Slowcooker

The beauty of cooking is being able to experiment, change a recipe.  Ever since trying and loving Lamb Stew, I have been wanting (craving) it again!
I adapted this recipe for Lamb's Stew to use the crockpot as the other was "one of those" days!  It was so delicious - even better the next day for lunch!
Beef Stew the Mediterranean Way
Ingredients:
1 1/4 pounds beef stew meat
Garlic Powder
3 tablespoons of olive oil
1 onion coarsely chopped
1 cup 1/2 cut peeled carrots
1 15oz can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained
1 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 10oz bag ready to use spinach leaves

1 - Heat olive oil in saute pan over medium heat.  Add meat.  Season with garlic powder.  Brown on all side for a total of 5 min.  Remove to slowcooker.
2 - Toss onions and carrots in pan that browned meat. Add chicken broth. Cook over medium heat for about 5-8 minutes. 
3 - Add vegetables and broth to slowcooker.  Add drained beans, tomato paste, lemon juice, and cinnamon.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours, high 4-5 hours.
4 - Last hour of cooking, add spinach leaves into stew.  Stir thoroughly.
Enjoy!
Serve over rice!

This recipe along with many others have been shared at Miz Helen's Full Plate Thursday and Prairie Story: Recipe Swap.