Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnati Chili Recipe - A Classic American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Cincinnati Chili is a unique and flavorful dish that combines elements of chili with spaghetti. This dish is a staple in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has gained popularity across the United States for its delicious taste and interesting combination of flavors.

History

Cincinnati Chili has its roots in Greek immigrant culture, with the dish being created by Macedonian immigrant Tom Kiradjieff in the early 20th century. Kiradjieff opened a small restaurant in Cincinnati and began serving his unique chili recipe over spaghetti, creating a dish that would become a local favorite.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) of lean ground beef
2 cups of chopped onions
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp of chili powder
0.25 tbsp of ground cinnamon
a dash of ground cloves
4 cups of v-8 vegetable juice
2 cans of kidney beans, drained (16 oz (454 g) each)
hot cooked spaghetti

How to prepare

In a large Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, onions, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onions are tender, stirring to separate the meat.
Spoon off any excess fat.
Stir in the chili powder, cinnamon, and ground cloves; cook for 2 minutes.
Stir in the V8 juice.
Heat to boiling.
Reduce the heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
Stir in the beans.
Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve over spaghetti.

Gilding the lily

For more flavor, the chili powder can be increased by at least 50 percent.
For more heat, spicy V-8 vegetable juice can be substituted for the regular kind.
Two tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, added with the chili powder, will cut the sweetness and add depth of flavor.
Without beans, this makes a great chili dog topper.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or tomato sauce for a richer tomato flavor.
Use ground turkey or chicken in place of ground beef for a lighter version of the dish.
Experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the ground beef, onions, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onions are tender to ensure maximum flavor.

- Spoon off any excess fat from the beef to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.

- Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your taste preferences, adding more for a spicier dish.

- For a richer flavor, consider adding unsweetened cocoa powder along with the chili powder.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cincinnati Chili over hot cooked spaghetti and top with shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and oyster crackers for added crunch.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the chili over low heat allows the flavors to meld together and develop a rich, complex taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have vegetable juice on hand, you can use tomato juice or beef broth as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Cincinnati Chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cincinnati Chili in individual bowls topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Cincinnati Chili with a side of cornbread or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Cincinnati Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of iron, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains beef and may not be suitable for those with beef allergies.

Summary

Cincinnati Chili is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cincinnati Chili is a delicious and unique dish that combines the flavors of chili with spaghetti for a satisfying and comforting meal. With a rich history and a variety of ways to customize the recipe, Cincinnati Chili is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a cold, blustery day in Cincinnati and I was walking home from the market when I stumbled upon a small hole-in-the-wall diner. The scent of warm spices and savory meat wafted through the air, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

As soon as I entered the diner, I knew I had found something special. The walls were lined with photos of smiling customers and the sound of laughter filled the cozy space. I took a seat at the counter and ordered a bowl of what the waitress called Cincinnati Chili.

When the steaming bowl was placed in front of me, I couldn't believe my eyes. The rich, fragrant chili was unlike any I had ever tasted before. It was hearty and comforting, with a hint of sweetness that balanced out the heat of the spices. I savored every bite, letting the warm flavors dance on my tongue.

I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make this incredible dish. I struck up a conversation with the chef, an older woman named Mrs. Johnson, who had been making Cincinnati Chili for decades. She graciously agreed to teach me her recipe, passing down the secrets of this beloved dish from one generation to the next.

Mrs. Johnson took me under her wing, showing me the precise measurements and techniques that had been handed down to her from her own grandmother. She explained how Cincinnati Chili was different from traditional chili, with its unique blend of spices and the addition of unexpected ingredients like cocoa powder and cinnamon.

I spent hours in Mrs. Johnson's kitchen, watching her work her magic as she transformed simple ingredients into a complex and flavorful dish. She taught me how to simmer the meat for hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop a depth that ordinary chili could never achieve.

As I stirred the pot, inhaling the intoxicating aromas that filled the kitchen, I felt a sense of connection to the long line of women who had come before me. I thought of my own grandmother, who had passed down her treasured recipes to me, and I knew that I was carrying on a tradition that was as old as time itself.

After weeks of practice and guidance from Mrs. Johnson, I finally mastered the art of making Cincinnati Chili. I invited my family over for a tasting, and their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bites. They marveled at the complexity of the flavors, the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and the comforting warmth that filled their bellies.

From that day on, Cincinnati Chili became a staple in our household. I made it for special occasions and Sunday dinners, serving it with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, and a handful of oyster crackers. Each time I made it, I thought of Mrs. Johnson and the lessons she had taught me, passing on her knowledge and love through every bowl of chili I served.

Years passed, and I continued to make Cincinnati Chili for my family and friends. I shared the recipe with anyone who asked, spreading the joy and comfort of this beloved dish to all who tasted it. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had learned a recipe that was steeped in tradition and history, a dish that had been passed down through generations of strong, resilient women.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, stirring a pot of simmering Cincinnati Chili, I can't help but smile. The memories of Mrs. Johnson and the lessons she taught me flood back, filling me with a sense of gratitude and connection to the past. I know that as long as I continue to make this cherished dish, I am keeping alive a tradition that is as old as time itself. And for that, I am eternally grateful.