Skyline Lentil Chili: A Cincinnati Twist on a Vegetarian Classic

Cincinnati chili is a unique and divisive dish. Loved by many, questioned by some, it’s a distinctly flavored chili served over spaghetti, topped with cheese, onions, and beans. The secret? A blend of spices unlike any other chili you’ve likely tasted. This recipe takes the beloved flavors of Skyline chili and transforms it into a hearty, vegetarian-friendly lentil chili that will warm you from the inside out. Get ready for a bowl of comfort food with a Cincinnati kick!

What Makes Cincinnati Chili Unique?

Before we dive into the lentil version, let’s explore what makes Cincinnati chili so special. Unlike traditional chili, Cincinnati chili isn’t about a deep, smoky flavor. Instead, it features a sweet and savory profile with notes of cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and even a hint of chocolate. This complex blend of spices is what gives Cincinnati chili its distinctive taste. It’s traditionally served “5-way”: spaghetti, chili, cheese, onions, and beans. You can also order it 3-way (spaghetti, chili, cheese), 4-way (spaghetti, chili, onions or beans, cheese), or 2-way (spaghetti and chili).

Why Lentils?

Lentils are a fantastic vegetarian alternative to ground beef in chili. They’re packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. They also have a wonderful earthy flavor that complements the spices in Cincinnati chili beautifully. Lentils cook quickly, making this a relatively fast and easy meal to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Skyline Lentil Chili Recipe

This recipe aims to capture the essence of Cincinnati chili while using lentils as the base. It’s a surprisingly simple recipe with a big payoff in flavor. Don’t be intimidated by the list of spices – they’re what make this chili truly special. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your preference.

Ingredients:

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 pound brown or green lentils, rinsed
* 6 cups vegetable broth
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1/4 cup chili powder
* 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon ground allspice
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (or vegetarian Worcestershire sauce alternative such as mushroom-based)
* Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings (optional):

* Shredded cheddar cheese
* Chopped onions
* Kidney beans
* Oyster crackers
* Sour cream or Greek yogurt
* Hot sauce

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add the Lentils and Liquids: Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce to the pot. Stir to combine.

3. Spice it Up: Add the chili powder, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, cloves, cayenne pepper (if using), and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

4. Simmer and Cook: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Adjust and Finish: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce (or vegetarian alternative). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the chili is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Skyline lentil chili hot over spaghetti, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and kidney beans, if desired. Offer oyster crackers, sour cream, and hot sauce on the side for extra toppings.

Detailed Step-by-Step Guide with Photos

This section provides a more detailed guide with visual aids to help you through the recipe.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Chop the onion, bell peppers, and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process smoother.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step is crucial for building the base flavor of the chili.

Step 3: Add Lentils and Liquids

Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce to the pot. Stir well to combine. Ensure the lentils are submerged in the liquid.

Step 4: The Spice Blend

This is where the magic happens. Add the chili powder, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, cloves, cayenne pepper (if using), and bay leaf to the pot. Stir thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The cocoa powder might seem unusual, but it adds depth and richness to the flavor profile.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, especially towards the end of the cooking time. This slow simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce (or vegetarian alternative). The vinegar adds a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness of the other spices, while the Worcestershire sauce provides umami depth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the chili is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Customize

Serve the Skyline lentil chili hot over spaghetti. Traditionally, Cincinnati chili is served “5-way”: spaghetti, chili, cheese, onions, and beans. You can customize your bowl with any combination of these toppings. Other popular toppings include oyster crackers, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and hot sauce.

Tips and Variations

* Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to your preference. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the cayenne pepper altogether.
* Lentil Type: You can use brown, green, or red lentils in this recipe. Brown and green lentils will hold their shape better, while red lentils will break down more and create a creamier chili.
* Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce: Many brands offer vegetarian Worcestershire sauce alternatives. Look for one that uses mushroom-based ingredients for a similar umami flavor.
* Instant Pot Version: This recipe can easily be adapted for the Instant Pot. Sauté the vegetables in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Then add the remaining ingredients, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow for natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
* Slow Cooker Version: For a truly hands-off approach, try making this chili in a slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables as directed in the recipe. Then transfer all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
* Freezing: This chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the chili, such as diced carrots, celery, or zucchini.
* Beans: While kidney beans are the most traditional bean topping for Cincinnati chili, you can also add them directly to the chili while it simmers. Black beans or pinto beans would also work well.

Serving Suggestions

While the classic way to serve Cincinnati chili is over spaghetti, there are many other ways to enjoy this flavorful dish:

* Chili Dogs: Use the lentil chili as a topping for hot dogs. Add cheese and onions for a delicious and satisfying meal.
* Chili Cheese Fries: Top a plate of fries with the lentil chili and shredded cheese for a comforting and indulgent snack.
* Baked Potatoes: Spoon the lentil chili over baked potatoes for a hearty and flavorful meal.
* Tacos or Burritos: Use the lentil chili as a filling for tacos or burritos.
* Nachos: Top tortilla chips with the lentil chili, cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings.

Why This Recipe Works

This Skyline lentil chili recipe successfully captures the unique flavor profile of Cincinnati chili in a vegetarian-friendly format. The key is the careful balance of spices, including the unexpected addition of cocoa powder and cinnamon. The lentils provide a hearty and satisfying base, while the vegetables add texture and nutrients. The apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce (or vegetarian alternative) provide a crucial touch of acidity and umami that elevates the overall flavor. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Cincinnati chili or a curious newcomer, this recipe is sure to impress.

Final Thoughts

This Skyline lentil chili is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and adaptable to your preferences. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to experience a Cincinnati classic in a whole new way. Don’t forget the spaghetti and plenty of cheese! Enjoy!