Ultimate Cincinnati Chili Delight
Experience the rich, unique flavors of Cincinnati-style chili with our Ultimate Cincinnati Chili Delight. This hearty dish features a savory blend of spices, including a touch of cinnamon and cocoa, creating a depth of flavor that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you enjoy it plain or dressed up as a 'Five Way' with spaghetti, cheddar cheese, onions, and kidney beans, this chili is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe serves ten and offers a delightful twist on traditional chili.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
ground beef
2 1/2 lbs (browned)
cold water
1 quart (for boiling)
tomato paste
6 ounces (added to the pot)
onions
2 large (diced)
vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons (for flavoring)
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
garlic
1 clove (crushed)
chili powder
2 tablespoons (for heat and flavor)
bay leaves
5 leaves (for flavor)
cinnamon
2 teaspoons (for warmth)
allspice
1 teaspoon (for depth)
cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons (for extra heat)
unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 tablespoons (for richness)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a heavy gauge pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
2
Add the diced onions to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are translucent.
3
Pour in the cold water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
4
Stir in the tomato paste, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, chili powder, bay leaves, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne pepper, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5
Let the chili simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
7
Before serving, carefully remove the bay leaves. Serve your Cincinnati chili hot, paired with your choice of toppings and sides.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Cincinnati Chili Delight?
It is a hearty dish featuring a unique, savory blend of spices, including cinnamon and cocoa, that can be served plain or as a Five Way.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve ten people.
What makes Cincinnati-style chili unique?
Its uniqueness comes from a specific blend of spices like cinnamon, allspice, and unsweetened cocoa powder.
What are the components of a Five Way Cincinnati chili?
A Five Way involves serving the chili over spaghetti and topping it with cheddar cheese, onions, and kidney beans.
How much ground beef is required?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 lbs of ground beef.
What is the purpose of adding cocoa powder?
Unsweetened cocoa is added to provide a distinct richness and depth of flavor.
How long should the chili simmer?
The chili should simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the liquid to thicken.
How much water is added to the pot?
You should add 1 quart of cold water to the beef and onion mixture.
What spices provide the heat in this recipe?
The heat comes from 2 tablespoons of chili powder and 2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper.
How many bay leaves should be used?
The recipe uses 5 bay leaves, which should be removed before serving.
What kind of pot is best for cooking this chili?
A heavy gauge pot is recommended for even heat distribution.
Do I need to brown the meat?
Yes, the ground beef should be browned in oil and broken apart with a spoon before adding other ingredients.
How much cinnamon is in the recipe?
The recipe includes 2 teaspoons of cinnamon for warmth.
What type of onions are needed?
You will need 2 large onions, diced and sautéed until translucent.
How much tomato paste is used?
The recipe requires 6 ounces of tomato paste.
What liquid seasonings are included?
The recipe includes 1 1/2 tablespoons of vinegar and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
How do I prepare the garlic?
You should use 1 clove of garlic, crushed, for the chili.
Is the chili cooked covered or uncovered?
It should be simmered uncovered so that the mixture can thicken properly.
How much allspice is added?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of allspice.
When should I adjust the seasoning?
Taste the chili after it has simmered and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
How much oil is used for browning the beef?
Use 2 tablespoons of oil in the heavy gauge pot.
How long do the onions need to sauté?
The diced onions should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until translucent.
What is the first step of the instructions?
Heat oil in a pot and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
How do I prevent the chili from sticking to the pot?
Stir the chili occasionally while it is simmering for 1.5 to 2 hours.
What temperature should the water be when added?
The recipe specifies using cold water.
What should I do with the bay leaves before eating?
Carefully remove the bay leaves from the pot before serving.
Is this chili spicy?
It contains cayenne pepper and chili powder, giving it a noticeable but balanced heat.
Can I serve this with cheddar cheese?
Yes, cheddar cheese is a traditional topping for Cincinnati-style chili.
What is the role of vinegar in the recipe?
Vinegar is used to add a touch of acidity and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends as it serves ten.