Savory Vegetarian Cincinnati Chili with Tofu
Experience the rich and distinctive flavors of Cincinnati-style chili in a wholesome vegetarian version that does not compromise on taste. This recipe utilizes frozen and thawed tofu for a meat-like texture that perfectly absorbs the bold and aromatic spices. The harmonious blend of savory vegetables, tomato sauce, and fragrant seasonings create a satisfying and hearty meal. Perfectly suited for chilly evenings, this dish pairs wonderfully with spaghetti, cheese, or your favorite toppings for a comforting culinary experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 teaspoons (none)
onions
2 (chopped finely)
garlic
4 cloves (minced)
vegetable stock
3 cups (none)
apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
bay leaf
1 large (crushed)
allspice berries
5 whole (none)
salt
2 teaspoons (none)
chili powder
3 tablespoons (none)
cocoa powder
1 teaspoon (none)
tomato sauce
17 ounces (none)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
pinto beans
1 can (drained)
tofu
1/2 lb (frozen, thawed, and crumbled)
Instructions
1
In a large heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, then add the chopped onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes.
2
Add the minced garlic and stir for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
3
Incorporate the vegetable stock, apple cider vinegar, crushed bay leaf, allspice berries, salt, chili powder, cocoa, tomato sauce, cayenne pepper, cumin, and cinnamon into the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the chili to simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5
After one and a half hours, stir in the drained pinto beans and crumbled tofu. Continue to simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
6
Serve hot over spaghetti or with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, onions, or sour cream.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein source in this vegetarian chili?
The main protein sources are pinto beans and tofu.
How is the tofu prepared to achieve a meat-like texture?
The tofu is frozen, thawed, and then crumbled to create a texture that mimics meat and absorbs spices well.
How long does the chili need to simmer initially?
The chili should simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 hours initially.
What spices give this Cincinnati-style chili its unique flavor?
The flavor comes from a blend of chili powder, cocoa powder, allspice berries, cayenne pepper, cumin, and cinnamon.
What type of oil is used for sauteing?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
How many onions are needed and how should they be prepared?
You need two onions, finely chopped.
How long should the onions be sauteed?
The onions should be sauteed for about 8 to 10 minutes until soft and translucent.
How much garlic is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 cloves of minced garlic.
What liquid base is used for the chili?
The base consists of 3 cups of vegetable stock and 17 ounces of tomato sauce.
Is vinegar used in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar are included.
How many allspice berries should be added?
Add 5 whole allspice berries to the mixture.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of chili powder.
What is the purpose of adding cocoa powder?
Cocoa powder is used to add depth and a rich, savory complexity to the chili.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Yes, the cayenne pepper amount (1/2 teaspoon) can be adjusted to taste.
How much cinnamon and cumin are included?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of cumin.
When should the pinto beans and tofu be added?
They should be stirred in after the initial 1.5 hours of simmering.
How long is the final simmer after adding beans and tofu?
Simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes after adding the beans and tofu.
What is the traditional way to serve Cincinnati-style chili?
It is traditionally served hot over spaghetti.
What toppings are recommended for this chili?
Recommended toppings include shredded cheese, onions, or sour cream.
Do I need to drain the pinto beans?
Yes, the 1 can of pinto beans should be drained before adding them to the pot.
How should the bay leaf be prepared?
The recipe calls for 1 large bay leaf that has been crushed.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
The base recipe is vegan, though common toppings like cheese and sour cream are vegetarian.
What kind of pot is best for cooking this chili?
A large heavy pot is recommended for even heat distribution.
Does the chili simmer covered or uncovered?
The chili should simmer uncovered to allow it to thicken.
How much tofu is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of tofu.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 16 ingredients in total.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of salt are included.
What is the texture of the crumbled tofu like?
When frozen and thawed, it develops a meat-like texture similar to ground beef.
Is this a quick meal?
While the prep is easy, it requires about 2 hours of total cooking time to develop the flavors.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a vegetarian comfort food or a healthy chili recipe.