Cincinnati chili is not just a dish; it’s a unique experience that defies all chili conventions. Imagine a blend of spices that teases your senses, swirling together in a way that feels like an unexpected dance-off at a family reunion. Ever since I first tasted it during a road trip through Ohio last summer—amidst a backdrop of rusty autumn leaves and football cheers—I’ve been obsessed, and now I need to share this comforting chaos with you.
Steps
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add onions and cook until they are soft, which should take around 5 minutes.
- Mix in unsweetened chocolate, garlic, chili powder, oregano, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Stir until the mixture is fragrant, approximately 30 seconds.
- Pour in broth, tomato sauce, vinegar, tomato paste, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, and mix well. Add the ground beef and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Lower the heat and let the chili simmer until it thickens, about 20 to 25 minutes. Season the chili with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Serve the chili over cooked spaghetti, and top with your choice of cheese, beans, onions, or crackers.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
- Ground beef (85/15 blend recommended)
- Cooking oil
- Onions
- Garlic
- Chili powder
- Oregano
- Cinnamon
- Allspice
- Cloves
- Chicken broth
- Tomato sauce
- Vinegar
- Tomato paste
- Brown sugar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
- Spaghetti (for serving)
- Cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Kidney beans (optional topping)
- Onions (optional topping)
- Oyster crackers (optional topping)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2340kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 180g | Fat: 150g | Saturated Fat: 60g | Cholesterol: 620mg | Sodium: 2980mg | Potassium: 4170mg | Fiber: 20g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 5320IU | Vitamin C: 60mg | Calcium: 400mg | Iron: 30mg
FAQ
- What sets Cincinnati Chili apart from traditional chili?
- Cincinnati Chili is unique due to its use of unexpected ingredients such as chocolate, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. It tends to be thinner than traditional chili and is served over spaghetti noodles, topped with cheese.
- Can I store and freeze Cincinnati Chili?
- Absolutely! Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, cool the chili and portion it into freezer-safe containers. Label and date them before freezing, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator when needed.
- What is the significance of the ‘ways’ in Skyline Chili?
- The ‘ways’ refer to the different topping combinations for Skyline Chili. For example, 2-Way includes spaghetti and chili, while 5-Way includes spaghetti, chili, cheddar cheese, onions, and beans, offering a variety of options to enjoy.
- Is there a slow cooker method for this recipe?
- Yes, you can make Cincinnati Chili in a slow cooker. Start by sautéing onions in olive oil, then add unsweetened chocolate, garlic, and spices. Transfer this to a slow cooker, add the rest of the ingredients, and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or LOW for 6 to 8 hours.
- What kind of ground beef is recommended for this recipe?
- An 85/15 blend of ground beef is recommended as it provides maximum flavor without excessive grease. However, you can opt for leaner beef if preferred.
Tips
- Balance Beef Fat: Opt for 85/15 ground beef to achieve a flavorful chili without excessive grease, since you won’t be draining the fat during cooking. However, if you prefer a leaner dish, feel free to choose a leaner meat option.
- Embrace Unique Spices: Don’t shy away from incorporating unexpected spices like allspice, cloves, and a touch of unsweetened chocolate. These ingredients are key to replicating the authentic Cincinnati Chili flavor.
- Slow Cooker Adaptation: For convenience, consider using a slow cooker. After sautéing the onions and spices, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off approach.
- Storage and Freezing: Store any leftover chili in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze in labeled containers for longer storage. Thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge for easy reheating.
Equipment
- Dutch Oven – Often used for cooking stews and soups; a heavy-duty pot that retains heat well.
- Slow Cooker – If you choose to make the chili using the slow cooker method, you might need one of these.
