Description
This Dubai Chocolate-Inspired Slow Cooker Beef combines tender beef with warm Middle Eastern spices, dates, and a hint of dark chocolate for a rich, exotic stew that’s both savory and subtly sweet.
Ingredients
2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into large cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup beef broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
½ cup chopped dates (or Medjool dates)
1 ounce dark chocolate (70% or higher), chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cinnamon stick
Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Cooked basmati rice or flatbread, for serving
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides, then transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet, sauté for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to the slow cooker.
3. Stir in cumin, cinnamon, smoked paprika, coriander, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, dates, dark chocolate, tomato paste, and cinnamon stick to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
6. Remove cinnamon stick, taste, and adjust seasonings if needed.
7. Serve warm over basmati rice or with flatbread. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Notes
The dark chocolate adds richness without overpowering the dish — start with 1 ounce and adjust to taste.
For a deeper flavor, use Medjool dates.
This stew tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop.
Pairs well with basmati rice, couscous, or warm naan bread.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 8 hrs
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg