Mediterranean Beef Shawarma Chili

"This chili is inspired by my family’s favorite Mediterranean dish: shawarma. Shawarma uses such a warm and inviting combination of spices that just take any kind of meat to the next level! Here, ground sirloin joins shawarma spices and other Mediterranean staples including chopped dates, lots of lemon and herbs, lentils and red wine. The chili is thickened with hummus and topped with a generous drizzle of traditional garlic tahini sauce and a scattering of pomegranate seeds and more fresh herbs. It tastes even better the next day!"

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

40 minutes

Paired With

Merlot

Main Protein

Beef

Ingredients

IngredientQuantity
Ground beef 1 1/2 pounds, 4 large, 1 large, 2 large, 2 heaping tablespoons, 1 28 ounce can, 1/2 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/2 cup, 1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/4 cup, 1/4 cup, 1 1/2 tablespoons, 1 large, 1/2 cup, 1 tablespoon, 1/3 cup
Garlic cloves, minced
Chopped red onion
Chopped carrots
Shawarma Spice Blend
Canned crushed tomatoes
Soft dates, chopped
Black Box Merlot
Beef broth
Cooked brown lentils
Prepared hummus
Fresh dill, minced
Fresh mint, minced
Tahini
Lemon
Whole fat plain Greek style yogurt
Garlic
Fresh pomegranate seeds

Directions

Serves 4-6 generously.

Directions:

Heat a large pot or dutch oven. Add the beef and brown on all sides. Once the meat is browned add in the garlic, onions, carrots and shawarma spice. Stir to combine and sauté for 5 minutes.

Add the tomatoes, dates, wine and broth. Reduce to simmer and cook the chili for 30 minutes. Now fold in the cooked lentils, the hummus and half of the fresh minced dill and mint and simmer on low for another 10 minutes.

While the chili is cooking make the garlic tahini sauce: whisk together the tahini, the juice from the whole lemon, the yogurt and the final tablespoon of garlic in a small bowl and set aside.

When ready to serve divide the chili into serving dishes and top each with a generous drizzle of the garlic tahini sauce. Scatter some of the pomegranate seeds and remaining fresh herbs on each and serve with a glass of Black Box Merlot.

The Merlot is a great pairing as its rich berry notes complement the red meat, the unique spices and the pomegranate while still remaining quite refreshing.

Notes:

Shawarma Spice blend can be found with the jarred spices at most grocery stores or online. Or you can easily make your own by combining 1 tablespoon each ground coriander, ground cumin and pumpkin pie spice; 1 teaspoon each cayenne and black pepper; 2 teaspoons each  paprika, salt, and garlic powder.