Cincinnati-style Chili

Cincinnati-style Chili Recipe: An Easy-to-Follow Dish with Ground Beef, Kidney Beans, and Semi-Sweet Chocolate

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cincinnati-style chili is a unique and flavorful dish that originated in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is a Mediterranean-inspired chili that is typically served over spaghetti noodles and topped with cheese. This recipe has a slightly sweet and spicy flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional chili recipes.

History

Cincinnati-style chili was created by Macedonian immigrants in the early 20th century. The recipe has evolved over the years and has become a beloved dish in Cincinnati and beyond. It is often served in "ways," which refers to the different toppings that can be added, such as onions, beans, and cheese.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground beef
1 tbsp dried minced onion
1 x 15 oz (425 g) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 x 8 oz (227 g) can tomato sauce
0.5 cup beef broth
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp semi-sweet chocolate pieces
1 tbsp vinegar
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
0.25 tsp salt
8 oz (227 g) fettuccine, broken into 4-inch lengths, or 8 oz (227 g) egg noodles
sliced onion (optional)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz (113 g))

How to prepare

In a medium saucepan, cook the beef and onion until the beef is browned. Drain the fat.
Stir in the beans, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, chocolate, vinegar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package directions.
To serve, divide the pasta among 4 plates.
Create a well in the center of each plate and top with the meat sauce and sliced onion, if desired. Finish with cheese.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for extra heat.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a leaner option.
Substitute the kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans for a different flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the fat from the cooked ground beef to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.

- Adjust the amount of chili powder and pumpkin pie spice to suit your taste preferences.

- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate.

- To save time, you can use pre-cooked spaghetti noodles instead of cooking them from scratch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cincinnati-style chili over cooked spaghetti noodles and top with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the chili sauce for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with the chili sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.

- Substitute dark chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate for a richer flavor.

- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chili sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cincinnati-style chili in individual bowls or on a large platter for a family-style meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Cincinnati-style chili with a crisp green salad, cornbread, or garlic bread. For a beverage, consider serving it with a cold beer or a glass of red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cincinnati-style chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

420

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 38g

- Dietary Fiber: 6g

- Sugars: 6g

Fats

- Total Fat: 18g

- Saturated Fat: 8g

- Trans Fat: 1g

Proteins

- Protein: 28g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 15%

- Calcium: 20%

- Iron: 25%

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheddar cheese)

Summary

This Cincinnati-style chili recipe is a good source of protein and fiber. It is relatively high in fat and calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Cincinnati-style chili is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its unique flavor profile and versatile toppings, it is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this hearty meal with your loved ones and savor every bite!

How did I get this recipe?

It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Cincinnati-style Chili. I remember it was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were falling, and the scent of cinnamon and spices filled the air. I was walking through the bustling streets of downtown Cincinnati, when I suddenly caught a whiff of something delicious coming from a small, hole-in-the-wall diner.

Curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to step inside to see what was cooking. As soon as I entered, I was greeted by the warm, inviting aroma of simmering meat and spices. The owner, a kind, elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye, welcomed me with a smile and offered me a bowl of her famous Cincinnati-style Chili.

I took one bite and instantly fell in love. The rich, savory flavors danced on my taste buds, and the hint of sweetness from the cinnamon added a unique twist that I had never experienced before. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

I struck up a conversation with the owner, and she graciously agreed to share her recipe with me. She explained that Cincinnati-style Chili is a unique dish that has its roots in Greek cuisine, brought over by immigrants to the city in the early 20th century. It is traditionally served over spaghetti and topped with a mound of shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions.

I spent hours in that diner, watching the owner prepare batch after batch of her famous chili. I took copious notes, asking questions and making sure I understood every step of the process. She showed me how to combine ground beef with a special blend of spices – cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and cocoa powder – to create the base of the dish. She then added diced onions, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth to simmer slowly on the stove, allowing the flavors to meld together.

As the chili bubbled away, filling the diner with its intoxicating aroma, the owner shared stories of her family and how they had passed down this recipe through the generations. She spoke of long days spent in the kitchen, stirring pots of chili and sharing meals with loved ones. It was clear that this dish held a special place in her heart, and I felt honored to be entrusted with the secret to its creation.

After several hours of cooking and learning, the owner finally deemed me ready to try making Cincinnati-style Chili on my own. She handed me a handwritten copy of the recipe, complete with her own personal notes and tips. I thanked her profusely, promising to carry on the tradition and share this cherished dish with my own family and friends.

I returned home that evening, eager to put my newfound skills to the test. I gathered the ingredients and set to work, following the recipe to a T. As the chili simmered on the stove, filling my kitchen with its enticing aroma, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me. This dish represented more than just a meal – it was a connection to the past, a link to the generations that had come before me.

When the chili was finally ready, I ladled it over a bed of steaming spaghetti and topped it with a generous helping of shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions. I took a bite, savoring the familiar flavors that had captured my heart in that small diner in downtown Cincinnati. It was perfect – just like the owner's.

Since that day, Cincinnati-style Chili has become a staple in my household. I make it for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply when I want to feel connected to my roots. Each time I prepare it, I think back to that fateful day when I stumbled upon the recipe and the kind owner who shared her knowledge with me.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to this dish, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and people who have shaped my love of cooking. Cincinnati-style Chili will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring us together and create lasting memories. And for that, I am forever thankful.