Cincinnati Classic Chili Delight
Experience the unique flavors of Cincinnati with this delectable chili dish that captures the spirit of the beloved Skyline Chili. Developed by a Greek immigrant, this recipe showcases a blend of aromatic spices and savory ingredients that create a chili experience unlike any other. Perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers, it's served over a bed of tender spaghetti and topped with your choice of onions, kidney beans, and shredded cheddar cheese. This chili is not just a meal; it's a communal dining experience where each person can customize their bowl to create '3-way', '4-way', or '5-way' delights based on personal taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
26
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium onions
3 (chopped)
cloves garlic
6 (minced)
vegetable oil
3 tablespoons
lean ground beef
4 lbs
chili powder
1/3 cup
sweet paprika
2 tablespoons
ground cumin
2 teaspoons
ground coriander
1 teaspoon
ground allspice
1 teaspoon
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (crumbled)
salt
1 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon
ground mace
1/4 teaspoon
bay leaf
1
water
3 cups
tomato sauce
1 (16 ounce) can
red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons
molasses
2 tablespoons
unsweetened chocolate
1 ounce (chopped fine)
thin spaghetti
as needed (cooked)
kidney beans
as desired
chopped onion
as desired (for topping)
shredded cheddar cheese
as desired (for topping)
oyster crackers
as desired (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large heavy kettle, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the ground beef to the kettle. Cook, stirring and breaking the beef apart, until thoroughly browned and no longer pink, roughly 8-10 minutes.
3
Reduce heat back to medium. Sprinkle in the chili powder, sweet paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground allspice, dried oregano, salt, cayenne, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground mace, and bay leaf. Stir the mixture for about one minute to allow the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
4
Pour in the water, tomato sauce, red wine vinegar, molasses, and chopped chocolate, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5
Cover the kettle loosely and allow the chili to simmer for about 2 hours, uncovering occasionally to stir and add more water as needed to maintain a soupy consistency. The chili should thicken and the flavors will meld beautifully.
6
Once done, discard the bay leaf and taste for seasoning adjustments.
7
To serve, ladle the chili generously over cooked thin spaghetti and offer a variety of toppings on the side, allowing each person to customize their meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cincinnati Classic Chili Delight?
It is a unique style of chili inspired by Skyline Chili, featuring a blend of aromatic spices and served over spaghetti.
How does Cincinnati chili differ from traditional Texas-style chili?
Unlike Texas chili, this version uses Mediterranean spices like cinnamon, cloves, and mace, has a soupy consistency, and is served over pasta.
What is the origin of this chili style?
This style of chili was originally developed by Greek immigrants in Cincinnati, which explains the unique use of aromatic spices.
What does '3-way' chili mean?
A 3-way consists of the spaghetti base topped with chili and a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
What are the components of a '4-way' chili?
A 4-way includes spaghetti, chili, cheese, and your choice of either chopped onions or kidney beans.
What makes a bowl of chili '5-way'?
A 5-way is the ultimate version, including spaghetti, chili, cheese, chopped onions, and kidney beans.
Why is chocolate used in the recipe?
Unsweetened chocolate is added to provide depth, richness, and a subtle complexity to the savory spice blend.
What aromatic spices are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes chili powder, sweet paprika, cumin, coriander, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, and mace.
What type of meat is recommended?
The recipe calls for 4 lbs of lean ground beef.
How long should the chili simmer?
The chili should simmer loosely covered for about 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What kind of pasta is traditionally served with this chili?
Thin spaghetti is the traditional choice for serving Cincinnati-style chili.
How many onions are needed for the base?
The base recipe requires 3 medium onions, chopped and sautéed.
What is the purpose of the molasses in the recipe?
Molasses adds a touch of sweetness and contributes to the dark, rich color of the chili sauce.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to increase or decrease the heat level.
What role does red wine vinegar play?
The vinegar provides a necessary acidity that cuts through the richness of the beef and spices.
Do I need to cook the spaghetti separately?
Yes, the thin spaghetti should be cooked according to package directions before ladling the chili over it.
Should the chili be thick or thin?
It should maintain a somewhat soupy consistency, which is characteristic of the Cincinnati style.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 6 minced cloves of garlic for a robust flavor.
What should I do with the bay leaf?
The bay leaf should be discarded after the simmering process is complete and before serving.
Are oyster crackers necessary?
While optional, oyster crackers are a traditional side served with this chili for added crunch.
What kind of cheese is best for topping?
Finely shredded mild or sharp cheddar cheese is the standard topping for this dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 26 total ingredients, including the various spices and serving toppings.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, with 4 lbs of beef and a long simmer time, it is perfect for family gatherings or communal dining.
Can I use tomato paste instead of tomato sauce?
The recipe specifically calls for a 16-ounce can of tomato sauce to achieve the correct consistency.
What is the first step in cooking the chili?
The first step is sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic in vegetable oil until soft.
How do I 'bloom' the spices?
Stir the spices into the browned meat for about one minute before adding liquids to release their essential oils.
Can the kidney beans be mixed into the chili?
In this style, kidney beans are typically served as a topping rather than cooked inside the main chili pot.
What happens if the chili gets too thick while simmering?
You can add more water as needed during the 2-hour simmer to maintain its soupy consistency.
Is this chili spicy or mild?
It is more aromatic than hot, though it contains a small amount of cayenne for a gentle kick.
How do I serve this to guests?
Ladle the chili over spaghetti and provide bowls of onions, beans, and cheese so guests can customize their own 'way'.