Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cincinnati Chili, a unique and hearty chili recipe that stands out with its rich brown color and distinctive taste. With a blend of warm spices like cinnamon and cocoa, this chili promises to captivate your taste buds with every spoonful. This beloved recipe comes from Edith Joyce in Parkman, Ohio, and it has become a favorite for its comforting and robust flavors.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 4 medium onions, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (16 ounces each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup baking cocoa
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hot cooked spaghetti
- Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and green onions for garnish
PREPARATIONS:
- In a Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, ground pork, and chopped onions over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain any excess fat.
- Add kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, white vinegar, baking cocoa, and a variety of seasonings to the Dutch oven. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 1½ hours or until the chili is heated through.
- Discard the bay leaves before serving. Enjoy the Cincinnati Chili over hot cooked spaghetti and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and green onions as desired.
YIELD:
- Makes 8 servings.
PREP/COOK TIME:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 1¾ hours
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- For a spicier kick, adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce to suit your taste.
TIPS:
- Pair the Cincinnati Chili with oyster crackers for a classic serving experience.
In conclusion, Cincinnati Chili is a chili lover’s dream come true, boasting a rich brown color and a tantalizing medley of spices that set it apart from traditional chili recipes. Edith Joyce from Parkman, Ohio, shares this treasured recipe, which has become a favorite for its comforting and distinctive flavors.
As the beef and pork cook together with chopped onions, the kitchen fills with enticing aromas, signaling the creation of something truly special. The addition of minced garlic enhances the savory notes, creating a flavorful base for the rest of the ingredients.
The combination of kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, white vinegar, baking cocoa, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and an array of warm spices like cinnamon, oregano, cumin, and allspice makes this chili a standout dish that excites the palate with every spoonful. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the hot pepper sauce adds just the right kick.
To serve Cincinnati-style, ladle the chili over hot cooked spaghetti and prepare to customize with a variety of delightful toppings. Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and green onions add both color and flavor to the dish, allowing each guest to tailor their bowl to their taste.
The history of Cincinnati Chili adds to its charm, with the city considering itself the chili capital of the country. The diverse ways it is served – from Two-Way with spaghetti and chili to Five-Way with beans, spaghetti, chili, cheese, and onions – showcase the versatility of this beloved dish. Oyster crackers, a classic accompaniment, provide a satisfying crunch to complement the flavors.
Dating back to 1922, Cincinnati-style chili was introduced by Tom Kiradjieff at his diner, blending traditional chili ingredients with Greek seasonings to create a unique and unforgettable flavor profile.
In conclusion, Cincinnati Chili is a celebration of taste and tradition, offering a delightful fusion of spices and ingredients that make it a cherished recipe in households across the country. Whether served at a gathering with loved ones or simply enjoyed as a comforting meal on a chilly day, this hearty chili promises to warm hearts and satisfy appetites with its irresistible flavors.
