authentic cincinnati chili recipe

The Best authentic cincinnati chili recipe

Cincinnati chili is a unique and delicious twist on traditional chili recipes. It originated in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, where it was created by Greek immigrants who brought their own culinary traditions with them.

The dish is characterized by its sweet and tangy flavor profile, which is achieved through the use of a specific blend of spices and ingredients. One of the key techniques in making Cincinnati chili is to cook it slowly over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop a rich, depthful taste.

This process takes time, but it’s worth it for the end result – a hearty, comforting bowl of chili that’s perfect for a cold winter’s night or a family gathering. My kids love helping me make this recipe, as they get to mix together all the different ingredients and watch as the pot transforms into a fragrant, savory aroma fills the kitchen.

And when we sit down to eat it, we’re all agreed that it’s one of our favorite meals together – the combination of flavors and textures is just magic. Plus, I love that this recipe uses ground beef that’s been browned and then simmered in liquid, making it tender and easy to digest.

It’s also relatively healthy compared to other chili recipes I’ve tried – no added sugars or preservatives here! We like to serve it over spaghetti or hot dogs for a fun twist on traditional chili toppings.

But honestly, you can’t go wrong with just serving it plain – it’s still delicious either way.

Authentic Cincinnati Chili

4.7 from 1708 votes

A unique Mediterranean-inspired chili from Cincinnati, featuring ground beef, cinnamon, chocolate, and spaghetti noodles. Served with shredded cheddar, chopped onions and oyster crackers.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chili

2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
8 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 oz unsweetened chocolate
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For Serving

8 oz spaghetti noodles, cooked
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup oyster crackers

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
2Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3Add ground beef, cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4Drain excess fat.
5Stir in cinnamon, cumin, oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
6Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
7Add tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, chocolate, salt, and black pepper stir to combine.
8Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded, and the cinnamon is fragrant.
9To serve, place a portion of cooked spaghetti in a bowl.
10Top with a generous ladle of chili.
11Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, and oyster crackers.
12Serve immediately, while hot.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring spoons
Cutting board
Knife
Can opener

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 55mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier chili, increase the amount of cayenne pepper. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat.

This authentic Cincinnati-style chili recipe is always a hit with my family – we love how easy it is to make and how deliciously rich and satisfying it tastes. One thing I appreciate about this recipe is how versatile it is – we like to serve it over spaghetti for a fun twist on traditional pasta dishes, but we also enjoy eating it plain as a hearty bowl of comfort food.

And because this recipe uses lean ground beef that’s been browned and then simmered in liquid until tender, I feel good about feeding it to my kids (and myself!) Plus, since you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for up to two months – making meal prep even easier than ever before!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cincinnati Chili

Q: What makes Cincinnati chili different from other types of chili?

Cincinnati chili has a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from other types of chili. The key to this flavor is the use of a specific blend of spices and ingredients, including ground cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. These spices give the chili a sweet and slightly smoky flavor that’s unlike anything else.

Q: Can I make Cincinnati chili in advance?

Yes, you can make Cincinnati chili in advance! In fact, this recipe actually benefits from being made ahead of time. The longer it simmers, the more developed the flavors will be. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for up to two months.

Q: Is Cincinnati chili spicy?

No, Cincinnati chili is not typically spicy. While some recipes may call for hot peppers or other spicy ingredients, traditional Cincinnati-style chili does not contain any spicy elements.

Q: Can I substitute ground turkey or beef with another protein source?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or beef with another protein source if you prefer. Ground pork or chicken would work well in this recipe.

Q: How do I serve Cincinnati chili?

Cincinnati chili is typically served over spaghetti or hot dogs. You can also serve it with shredded cheese, diced onions, and sour cream for added flavor and texture.

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