Description
Cincinnati chili is a flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired dish from Ohio, known for its unique spices and versatile serving options like 3-Way and 5-Way.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: This is the foundation of the chili. Opt for lean ground beef, as the meat will be boiled, and any excess fat will be skimmed off during the cooking process.
- Onions and Garlic: Finely chopped onions and minced garlic provide a rich base of flavor.
- Tomato Sauce: Instead of using diced tomatoes, Cincinnati chili uses tomato sauce to create a smooth texture that’s ideal for layering over spaghetti.
- Water: Boiling the beef in water gives Cincinnati chili its characteristic fine texture. It also helps incorporate the spices throughout the dish.
- Vinegar: Adds a hint of acidity to balance the richness of the meat and sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the umami flavor, making the chili savory and complex.
- Unsweetened Chocolate: Some recipes call for a small amount of unsweetened chocolate to add richness and a slightly bitter note, balancing the sweetness of the cinnamon and cloves.
- Spices: The signature spice blend of cumin, cinnamon, chili powder, cloves, bay leaf, and allspice creates the aromatic, Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef
Begin by placing your ground beef into a large pot with water. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it begins to cook. This boiling method, rather than browning the beef, helps achieve the smooth texture characteristic of Cincinnati chili.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Spices
Once the beef has cooked through, stir in finely chopped onions and garlic. Then, incorporate the spice blend, which includes chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Adding these spices early on allows them to fully infuse the meat.
Step 3: Add Tomato Sauce and Simmer
Next, add the tomato sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and a square of unsweetened chocolate. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and allow the chili to cook for at least two to three hours. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
Step 4: Skim the Fat
For a healthier, smoother dish, consider refrigerating the chili overnight after it’s finished cooking. The fat will rise to the top and solidify, making it easy to skim off before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American, Cincinnati-style
Nutrition
- Calories: 450-600 kcal
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g