Recipe: Learn to cook the chili Sweet Lew’s BBQ entered in a Charlotte cookoff

Lewis Donald, who owns Dish in Plaza Midwood and Sweet Lew’s BBQ in Belmont, has a chili recipe you won’t find on his menus.

He recently entered it into a chili cookoff in Charlotte, and now he’s sharing it with us.

Here’s how you can make Donald’s chili at home:

Smoke Shack Chili

1 yellow onion, medium diced

2 Tbs. minced garlic

3 Tbs. of your favorite chili spice blend

1 red and 1 green pepper, medium diced

2 cans pinto beans

2 cans diced tomatoes

1 gallon beef broth

2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce

2 pounds smoked brisket, medium diced

Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking oil

In a 2-gallon pot, sweat the onions and garlic in oil until they’re translucent. Add the spice blend and peppers, and mix together. Then add the beans and tomatoes, again incorporating thoroughly.

Cover the mixture with beef broth and barbecue sauce, and bring to a boil. Then add the smoked brisket. Bring down to a simmer, stirring often.

Cover with a lid and simmer at least 30-40 minutes, stirring often. Check seasonings and adjust with salt and black pepper.

Sweet Lew’s BBQ

Location: 923 Belmont Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

Neighborhood: Belmont

Menu

Cuisine: barbecue

How to order: In person, online for delivery or pickup, or call 980-224-7584.

Instagram: @sweetlewsbbq

This story was originally published October 22, 2021 at 6:00 AM.

Heidi Finley

The Charlotte Observer

Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits. Support my work with a digital subscription