North African Slow Cooker Chili

Experience the rich and aromatic flavors of North Africa with this Slow Cooker Chili. This hearty dish combines ground meat (lamb, chicken, or beef), chickpeas, and a blend of exotic spices, creating a comforting and flavorful meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this chili is best enjoyed with crusty bread or over rice.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground meat (lamb, chicken, or beef)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Ras el Hanout
• 1 tablespoon Berbere spice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon harissa paste (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon sumac
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat and transfer the meat to the slow cooker.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Add Spices: Stir in the Ras el Hanout, Berbere spice, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and harissa paste. Cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices.
4. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker with the ground meat.
5. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, red bell pepper, carrot, salt, black pepper, and sumac.
6. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley before serving. Enjoy with crusty bread or over rice.