Picture a steaming bowl of Cincinnati Chili, its rich, savory aroma filling your kitchen.
There’s something about the way this unique blend of spices and chocolate melds together, creating a cozy, heartwarming dish that’s surprisingly simple to make.
As the ingredients slowly simmer, they transform into a flavorful sauce that complements the spaghetti perfectly.
With every bite, you’ll taste the magic of this beloved classic.
Let’s bring this delightful dish to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 pound spaghetti, cooked
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Cincinnati Chili, you can follow this detailed timeline:
- Preparation Time (15 minutes):
- 0:00 to 0:05 (5 minutes): Gather all ingredients and equipment.
- 0:05 to 0:10 (5 minutes): Chop the large onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- 0:10 to 0:15 (5 minutes): Measure out the spices, apple cider vinegar, and unsweetened chocolate.
- Cooking Time (2 hours):
- 0:15 to 0:25 (10 minutes): Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, using the wooden spoon to break it up.
- 0:25 to 0:35 (10 minutes): Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is soft.
- 0:35 to 0:40 (5 minutes): Stir in the water, tomato sauce, and apple cider vinegar; wait for the mixture to heat.
- 0:40 to 0:45 (5 minutes): Add the unsweetened chocolate and wait for it to melt, then mix in the chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, cloves, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- 0:45 to 2:15 (1.5 hours): Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally.
- 2:15 to 2:45 (30 minutes): Add the kidney beans and continue cooking.
- 2:45 to 2:50 (5 minutes): Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Resting Time (10 minutes):
- 2:50 to 3:00: Serve the chili over cooked spaghetti and let it rest before serving.
- Additional Time (Reading and Preparation):
- Pre-cooking (5 minutes): Read through the recipe and instructions thoroughly to guarantee understanding and efficiency during cooking.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is soft.
Stir in the water, tomato sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
Add the unsweetened chocolate and stir until it has melted.
Mix in the chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, cloves, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
Add the kidney beans to the pot and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the chili over cooked spaghetti and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle on top for a creamy, cheesy finish that complements the spices.
- Chopped Onions: Add a fresh, sharp crunch that contrasts well with the rich chili flavors.
- Oyster Crackers: Offer a crunchy texture and mild flavor that balances the dish.
- Sour Cream: Dollop on top for a cool, tangy contrast to the warmth of the chili.
- Hot Sauce: Drizzle for an extra kick of heat if you like it spicy.
Storage
To store Cincinnati Chili, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing
To freeze Cincinnati Chili, allow it to cool completely.
Transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving space for expansion.
Label with the date, and freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat Cincinnati Chili, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Alternatively, microwave on medium power, covered, in short intervals. Stir between each interval to guarantee even heating.
Final Thoughts
Cincinnati Chili is a unique and flavorful dish that combines unexpected ingredients to create a deliciously complex meal.
The use of unsweetened chocolate and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves sets it apart from traditional chili recipes.
This dish isn’t only distinctive in flavor but also in how it’s served.
By pouring the chili over cooked spaghetti, it creates a hearty and satisfying meal.
Adding optional toppings like shredded cheese, chopped onions, or oyster crackers can further enhance the dish.
The flavors of Cincinnati Chili improve with time, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers.
Whether you’re new to this dish or a longtime fan, Cincinnati Chili offers a delightful twist on a classic comfort food.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Cincinnati Chili Different From Traditional Chili?
You’ll notice it’s unique because it combines unexpected spices like cinnamon and chocolate, giving it a sweet and savory twist. Unlike traditional chili, you serve it over spaghetti, making it richer and more flavorful.
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Beef?
You can definitely swap ground turkey for ground beef. The flavor will be lighter, and it might lack the depth of beef. However, it’s a healthier option and still lets the spices shine through. Give it a try!
Is There a Vegetarian Version of Cincinnati Chili?
You’ll find a vegetarian version by swapping the meat for lentils or textured vegetable protein. These alternatives maintain the hearty texture while allowing the spices and chocolate to shine, offering a rich, comforting, plant-based delight.
How Did Cincinnati Chili Originate?
You probably didn’t know it, but this dish began when Macedonian immigrants in the 1920s adapted their traditional recipes to suit American palates. They blended unique spices, creating a comforting, flavorful fusion that’s become a local culinary icon.
What Are the Common Toppings for Cincinnati Chili?
You’d typically top it with shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and oyster crackers. These toppings add texture and flavor, enhancing the chili’s savory and spicy profile. Personally, I believe they elevate the dish’s comforting appeal.
Cincinnati Chili
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups water
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed (15 oz)
- 1 pound spaghetti cooked
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is soft.
- Stir in the water, tomato sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
- Add the unsweetened chocolate and stir until it has melted.
- Mix in the chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, cloves, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add the kidney beans to the pot and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the chili over cooked spaghetti and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
