Cincinnati Chili: Recipes and Variations on a Midwestern Classic
Cincinnati chili is a unique and beloved regional dish, a far cry from traditional chili con carne. Its distinctive flavor profile, featuring a blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and chocolate (yes, chocolate!), sets it apart. Served over spaghetti and topped with cheese, onions, and beans, it’s a culinary experience you won’t soon forget. This article explores the history of Cincinnati chili, provides a classic recipe, and delves into various creative variations to spice up your chili game.
## A Brief History of Cincinnati Chili
The story of Cincinnati chili begins with Macedonian immigrant brothers, John and Tom Kiradjieff, who arrived in the United States in the early 20th century. They opened a chili parlor called Empress Chili in 1922, experimenting with Mediterranean spices to create a chili unlike anything else at the time. Their unique recipe, inspired by Greek stews and Macedonian cuisine, quickly gained popularity, laying the foundation for the Cincinnati chili we know and love today.
Empress Chili became a local institution, and its success spawned numerous other chili parlors across the city. Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili, two of the most well-known Cincinnati chili chains, emerged and further popularized the dish. Each parlor has its own slightly different recipe, contributing to the diverse landscape of Cincinnati chili.
What makes Cincinnati chili so distinctive is its preparation and serving style. It’s not a thick, chunky chili like you might find in Texas or the Southwest. Instead, it’s a finely ground meat sauce, simmered for hours to develop its complex flavors. And the way it’s served – over spaghetti and adorned with various toppings – is just as important as the chili itself.
## The Five-Way: Understanding the Cincinnati Chili Code
Before diving into recipes, it’s crucial to understand the “way” system. This refers to the number of ingredients used in the chili, each representing a different layer of flavor and texture:
* **Two-Way:** Spaghetti topped with chili.
* **Three-Way:** Spaghetti topped with chili and shredded cheddar cheese.
* **Four-Way:** Spaghetti topped with chili, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced onions **or** beans (depending on preference, ‘onions’ are typically specified as ‘Four-Way Onion’ and ‘beans’ as ‘Four-Way Bean’).
* **Five-Way:** Spaghetti topped with chili, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and beans.
Oyster crackers are a common accompaniment to Cincinnati chili, providing a crunchy counterpoint to the savory flavors. Hot sauce is also often available for those who like a little extra kick.
## Classic Cincinnati Chili Recipe
This recipe aims to capture the essence of Cincinnati chili, providing a solid foundation for experimentation and personal adaptation. Be prepared to simmer this chili for several hours to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 3-4 hours
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds ground beef (finely ground is best)
* 4 cups water
* 1 large onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 2 teaspoons ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/4 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 bay leaf
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
**For Serving (Choose your preferred “way”):**
* 1 pound spaghetti, cooked according to package directions
* Shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, your choice)
* Diced onions
* Canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
* Oyster crackers
* Hot sauce (optional)
**Equipment:**
* Large pot or Dutch oven
**Instructions:**
1. **Brown the Beef:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up into very small pieces as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
2. **Add Aromatics:** Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. **Introduce the Spices:** Stir in the chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and cocoa powder. Cook for 1 minute more, allowing the spices to bloom and release their fragrance.
4. **Combine Liquids:** Pour in the water, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
5. **Add Remaining Ingredients:** Add the bay leaf, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
6. **Simmer:** Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 3 hours, or up to 4 hours. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld and deepen. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. **Adjust Seasoning:** After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to achieve your desired flavor.
8. **Prepare the Spaghetti:** While the chili is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
9. **Assemble and Serve:** To serve, place a portion of spaghetti on a plate or in a bowl. Ladle the chili over the spaghetti. Top with your desired toppings (cheese, onions, beans) according to the “way” you prefer. Serve with oyster crackers and hot sauce, if desired.
## Tips for Perfect Cincinnati Chili
* **Use Finely Ground Beef:** The finer the ground beef, the better the texture of the chili. If you can’t find finely ground beef, you can pulse regular ground beef in a food processor until it’s finely ground.
* **Don’t Skip the Simmering Time:** The long simmering time is crucial for developing the complex flavors of Cincinnati chili. Don’t rush the process.
* **Adjust the Spices to Your Taste:** The spice blend in Cincinnati chili is unique and can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of chili powder, cumin, and allspice. If you like a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Use Good Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will affect the flavor of the chili. Use good quality ground beef, spices, and tomato products.
* **Make it Ahead:** Cincinnati chili is even better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to meld. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
* **Freeze for Later:** Cincinnati chili freezes well. Store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
* **Experiment with Toppings:** While cheese, onions, and beans are the classic toppings, feel free to experiment with others. Sour cream, green onions, and jalapenos are all delicious additions.
## Creative Cincinnati Chili Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic Cincinnati chili recipe, it’s time to get creative and explore some variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
### Vegetarian Cincinnati Chili
To make a vegetarian version of Cincinnati chili, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative, such as crumbled tofu, lentils, or a vegetarian ground beef substitute. You may need to adjust the cooking time, as plant-based proteins typically don’t require as long to cook as ground beef. Be sure to use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce or omit it altogether.
**Ingredient Swaps:**
* 2 pounds ground beef –> 2 pounds crumbled tofu, lentils, or vegetarian ground beef substitute
* Worcestershire sauce –> Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce or omit
### Spicy Cincinnati Chili
If you like your chili with a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeno to the pot while it’s simmering. You can also use a spicier chili powder blend.
**Spice Boosters:**
* 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 1 chopped jalapeno pepper (remove seeds for less heat)
* Spicier chili powder blend
### Cincinnati Chili Mac and Cheese
Combine two comfort food favorites by adding Cincinnati chili to mac and cheese. Simply prepare your favorite mac and cheese recipe and top it with a generous ladle of Cincinnati chili. Add your preferred toppings, such as cheese, onions, and beans.
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare your favorite mac and cheese recipe.
2. Ladle Cincinnati chili over the mac and cheese.
3. Top with cheese, onions, and beans.
### Cincinnati Chili Sloppy Joes
Use Cincinnati chili as the base for sloppy joes. Simply spoon the chili onto hamburger buns and top with your favorite toppings.
**Instructions:**
1. Toast hamburger buns.
2. Spoon Cincinnati chili onto the buns.
3. Top with cheese, onions, and beans (optional).
### Cincinnati Chili Dip
Turn Cincinnati chili into a delicious dip by adding cream cheese and sour cream. Serve with tortilla chips, vegetables, or crackers.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups Cincinnati chili
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* Tortilla chips, vegetables, or crackers for serving
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium bowl, combine the Cincinnati chili, cream cheese, and sour cream. Mix well.
2. Serve with tortilla chips, vegetables, or crackers.
### Cincinnati Chili Stuffed Peppers
Fill bell peppers with Cincinnati chili and bake for a hearty and flavorful meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 bell peppers (any color), halved and seeded
* 2 cups Cincinnati chili
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the bell pepper halves in a baking dish.
3. Fill each pepper half with Cincinnati chili.
4. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
## Cincinnati Chili: A Culinary Adventure
Cincinnati chili is more than just a dish; it’s a cultural icon. Its unique flavor and serving style have made it a beloved regional specialty. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, exploring the world of Cincinnati chili is a culinary adventure. From the classic five-way to creative variations, there’s a Cincinnati chili experience for everyone. So, grab your spaghetti, cheese, onions, and beans, and get ready to dive into this delicious Midwestern classic!
## Recipe Card
**Classic Cincinnati Chili**
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 3-4 hours
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds ground beef (finely ground is best)
* 4 cups water
* 1 large onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 2 teaspoons ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/4 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 bay leaf
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
**For Serving (Choose your preferred “way”):**
* 1 pound spaghetti, cooked according to package directions
* Shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, your choice)
* Diced onions
* Canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
* Oyster crackers
* Hot sauce (optional)
**Equipment:**
* Large pot or Dutch oven
**Instructions:**
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up into very small pieces as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and cocoa powder. Cook for 1 minute more, allowing the spices to bloom and release their fragrance.
4. Pour in the water, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
5. Add the bay leaf, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 3 hours, or up to 4 hours. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld and deepen. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to achieve your desired flavor.
8. While the chili is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
9. To serve, place a portion of spaghetti on a plate or in a bowl. Ladle the chili over the spaghetti. Top with your desired toppings (cheese, onions, beans) according to the “way” you prefer. Serve with oyster crackers and hot sauce, if desired.