Ingredients For Cincinnati Chili Recipe:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15-ounce can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Instructions to Cook Cincinnati Chili:
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, coriander, allspice, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, dark red kidney beans, beef broth, water, cocoa powder, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using) to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the chili has thickened.
- Serve the chili over spaghetti noodles and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and oyster crackers.
Tips:
- For a thicker chili, mash some of the kidney beans against the side of the pot with a spoon before serving.
- For a spicier chili, add more hot sauce to taste.
- You can also add other ingredients to your chili, such as chopped bell peppers, jalapeños, or corn.
- To make a vegetarian chili, substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth and omit the ground beef.
Cincinnati Chili Variations
- Two-way: Spaghetti and chili
- Three-way: Spaghetti, chili, and cheese
- Four-way: Spaghetti, chili, cheese, and onions
- Four-way bean: Spaghetti, chili, cheese, and beans
- Five-way: Spaghetti, chili, cheese, beans, and onions
Cincinnati Chili History
Cincinnati chili is a unique chili dish that is native to Cincinnati, Ohio. It is made with a blend of spices that includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, and it is typically served over spaghetti noodles and topped with cheese and onions.
Cincinnati chili is thought to have originated in the early 1900s, when Greek immigrants began opening restaurants in Cincinnati. These restaurants served a variety of dishes, including chili. The Greek chili was made with ground beef, onions, and spices, and it was typically served over spaghetti noodles.
Over time, the Greek chili evolved into the Cincinnati chili that we know today. In the 1920s, restaurateurs began adding chocolate to the chili for a richer flavor. In the 1930s, cheese and onions were added as toppings.
Cincinnati chili became popular in the 1940s and 1950s, when it was served at Skyline Chili, a Cincinnati-based chili parlor chain. Skyline Chili is still one of the most popular places to get Cincinnati chili today.
Cincinnati Chili Today
Cincinnati chili is a popular dish in Cincinnati and throughout the Midwest. It is also served at some restaurants in other parts of the country. Cincinnati chili is typically served as a main course, but it can also be served as a side dish or appetizer.
Cincinnati Chili Toppings
The most common toppings for Cincinnati chili are shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and oyster crackers. Other popular toppings include hot sauce, sour cream, and chili powder.
Cincinnati Chili Tips
- For the best flavor, use a blend of spices that includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings. Cincinnati chili is a versatile dish that can be customized to fit your own tastes.
- If you’re making Cincinnati chili for a crowd, consider making a double batch. Cincinnati chili freezes well, so you can enjoy it later.
Conclusion
Cincinnati chili is a delicious and unique chili dish that is sure to please everyone at your table. It is easy to make and can be customized to fit your own tastes. So next time you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, give Cincinnati chili a try.