Picture a steamy pot of Skyline Chili, its rich aroma wafting through your kitchen, conjuring images of comfort and indulgence.
This Cincinnati favorite isn’t only easy to make, but it’s a heartwarming dish that brings people together.
Watch as simple ingredients like ground beef, spices, and tomato sauce transform into a symphony of flavors simmering to perfection.
Let’s bring this classic dish to life and savor its delightful warmth.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 quart water
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing Skyline Chili, here’s a suggested timeline that includes prep work, cooking activities, and additional time for reading the instructions:
Timeline:
- Reading/Understanding (5 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe and instructions to familiarize yourself with the process.
- Prep Work (15 minutes)
- Gather all the equipment and ingredients.
- Finely chop 2 large onions.
- Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
- Initial Cooking (35 minutes)
- (0:00) Start by crumbling 2 pounds of ground beef in a large pot and add 1 quart of water.
- (0:05) Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring to break up the meat.
- (0:15) Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Skim off any foam as needed.
- Adding Ingredients (10 minutes)
- (0:45) Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot, stirring well.
- Mix in 15 ounces of tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
- Spice Addition and Simmering (1 hour)
- (0:55) Stir in 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon, cumin, allspice, and salt, 1/2 teaspoon each of cayenne pepper, ground cloves, and black pepper.
- Add 1 bay leaf and stir until well combined.
- (1:00) Let the chili simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Finishing Touches (15 minutes)
- (2:00) Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
- Allow the chili to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
In a large pot, crumble the ground beef and add water.
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to break up the meat.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, skimming off any foam.
Add the onions and garlic to the pot and stir well.
Mix in the tomato sauce, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
Stir in chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, cayenne pepper, cloves, salt, and black pepper.
Add the bay leaf and stir until everything is well combined.
Let the chili simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Remove the bay leaf and discard before serving.
Allow the chili to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Spaghetti: Serve the chili over a bed of spaghetti for a classic Cincinnati-style meal.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Top with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese for a rich and creamy finish.
- Diced Onions: Add a sprinkle of diced onions to enhance the chili’s savory flavors.
- Kidney Beans: Include kidney beans for added texture and a protein boost.
- Crackers: Serve with oyster crackers on the side for a crunchy contrast.
Storage
To store Skyline Chili, let it cool before transferring to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Freezing
To freeze Skyline Chili, let it cool completely.
Then, transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat Skyline Chili, use a stovetop or microwave.
Stir occasionally to guarantee even heating.
Add a splash of water if needed and heat until it reaches the desired temperature.
Final Thoughts
Skyline Chili is a unique and flavorful dish that has become a staple in Cincinnati cuisine.
With its blend of spices and rich ingredients, this chili offers a taste experience unlike any other.
Whether served over spaghetti or enjoyed on its own, Skyline Chili is sure to delight.
Preparing this dish a day in advance can enhance its flavors as they meld together overnight.
Enjoy the warm, comforting taste of this American classic in the comfort of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the History Behind Skyline Chili?
You’d find Skyline Chili’s origins in 1949, when Nicholas Lambrinides, a Greek immigrant, opened his first restaurant in Cincinnati. His unique recipe, blending Mediterranean spices with traditional chili, quickly captured local hearts, creating an iconic regional dish.
Why Is Cinnamon Used in Skyline Chili?
You might wonder why cinnamon’s used in chili. It adds warmth and depth, balancing the heat with a subtle sweetness. Critically, it enhances complexity, creating a unique flavor profile that’s intriguing and quintessentially different from typical chili recipes.
Can Skyline Chili Be Made Vegetarian?
You can make it vegetarian by swapping out the ground beef for a plant-based substitute. Guarantee you maintain the spice blend and robust flavors, but be cautious with texture differences that might alter the dish’s authenticity.
How Did Skyline Chili Become Popular in Cincinnati?
You observe Cincinnati’s love for this dish growing through word-of-mouth and its unique blend of spices. Local diners’ loyalty and clever marketing strategies help cement its status as a regional culinary icon over the years.
Are There Any Variations to the Traditional Skyline Chili Recipe?
You’re curious about variations on the traditional recipe. Consider adding chocolate for depth, or substitute turkey for beef. Some use vegetable broth instead of water. Experiment with spices to create your unique twist while maintaining the dish’s essence.
Skyline Chili
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 quart water
- 2 large onions finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- In a large pot, crumble the ground beef and add water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to break up the meat.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, skimming off any foam.
- Add the onions and garlic to the pot and stir well.
- Mix in the tomato sauce, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir in chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, cayenne pepper, cloves, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the bay leaf and stir until everything is well combined.
- Let the chili simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the bay leaf and discard before serving.
- Allow the chili to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
