Pairing food and wine is an art – when chosen correctly, flavors harmonize, enhancing each other’s best qualities. If you love bold, spicy flavors, spicy lentil chili is a fantastic choice, especially when complemented by a fine red wine.

In this post, we’ll show you how to prepare this exciting dish and recommend the perfect Thummerer Winery wine to accompany it.

Spicy Lentil Chili – A Classic Reinvented

Everyone knows chili con carne, but few have tried making it with lentils. Red lentils cook faster and bring out the dish’s rich, spicy character even more. The secret lies in the addition of dark chocolate and red wine, which deepen the flavors and create a perfect balance with the heat.

Ingredients:

  • 2 onions
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 180 g red lentils
  • 200 g corn
  • 400 g minced meat (pork-beef mix)
  • 70 g tomato paste
  • 6 dl broth
  • 4 tbsp oil
  • 10 g dark chocolate
  • salt, pepper, chili pepper

Instructions:

  1. Dice the onion and garlic, then sauté them in oil until translucent.
  2. Add the minced meat and cook until browned.
  3. Season with salt, then stir in the tomato paste, corn, dark chocolate, and red lentils.
  4. Pour in the broth, season with pepper and chili, and let simmer covered over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  5. If you prefer a thicker consistency, 6 dl of broth will be enough; for a more saucy dish, add more broth as it cooks.

Which Wine Pairs Best?

The Thummerer Syrah Superior Selection 2021 is an award-winning red wine that perfectly complements this dish. Its velvety tannins, spicy aromas, and deep, dark berry flavors balance the chili’s heat while enhancing the delicate notes of dark chocolate. For wine lovers, this wine and food pairing is a true gourmet experience!

Final Thoughts

For rich, spicy dishes, it’s best to choose a full-bodied, characterful red wine that can hold its own alongside bold flavors. The Thummerer Syrah Superior Selection 2021 was awarded the Best Red Wine of the Year for a reason – this wine and food pairing will elevate your dining experience to a whole new level!

Explore our wines and order the perfect bottle to pair with your spicy lentil chili!