Introduction
The Cincinnati Chili is a unique and savory dish that hails from the vibrant city of Cincinnati, Ohio. This recipe captures the essence of its original creation, allowing you to taste an authentic blend of spices that warm your heart with each bite. It’s not just food; it’s a culinary adventure rooted in rich tradition and community spirit.
Tips for this recipe
– Ensure all ingredients are fresh, as the quality greatly affects the final taste of your Cincinnati Chili.
– Take time with browning; it’s key to developing depth of flavor in both the chili and spices used.
– Consider preparing some components ahead of time for a smoother cooking process, such as sautéing onions or grinding spices if possible.
Why you will love this recipe
The Cincinnati Chili is more than just a dish; it’s an experience steeped in history and flavor that can transport your taste buds back to the streets of Cincinnati. Its bold, complex profile makes each bite memorable, while its versatility allows for creativity with accompaniments like cheese-laden spaghetti or simple side dishes.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 3 cups chopped onions
- 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 pounds ground lamb
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 4 2/3 cups (about) low-salt beef broth, divided
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon (packed) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley, divided
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 15-ounce cans kidney beans, rinsed, drained coarsely
- s-milk gouda cheese or goat
- Cheddar cheese
- Chopped onions
Advised equipment
- KitchenAid Stand Mixer (CSB-653) – A powerful stand mixer perfect for mixing doughs, batters, sauces, and more. Ideal for preparing Cincinnati chili’s thick tomato base and ground meat mixture with ease.
- OXO Good Grips 20 oz Tomato Paste Can Opener – This can opener offers a strong grip and efficient opening of whole canned tomatoes, essential in creating the authentic Cincinnati chili sauce.
- Le Creuset Cast Iron Skillet (3.5qt) – Ideal for sautéing ground meat to perfection, ensuring it’s evenly browned without burning, a crucial step when preparing Cincinnati chili.
- Cuisinart 8-Cup Measuring Cup Set with Pour Spout (4235) – A precise measuring set for ingredients like onions, bell peppers, and spices in your Cincinnati chili recipe.
- OXO Large Canister Rice Cooker (8qt) – While not directly used for the sauce, a rice cooker can be handy to prepare sides such as white rice or brown rice, common accompaniments with Cincinnati chili.
- Flexitools 12-Inch Non-Slip Silicone Spatula Set (BPA Free) – A must-have for stirring and scraping the bottom of pots to ensure no ingredient sticks, crucial in achieving a smooth Cincinnati chili sauce.
- KitchenAid Hand Mixer with Whisk Attachment (CSB-653) – Useful for whipping up cream or incorporating lighter elements into your Cincinnati chili if you choose to add them as per preference.
- Pyrex 2 Quart Glass Measuring Cup and Spoon Set (PFO) – Essential for accurately measuring liquid ingredients like water, broth, or wine that might be part of the recipe process.
- OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Sauce Pan (3qt) – A versatile pan perfect for cooking chili and other stove-top dishes; it’s also suitable for reducing sauces to achieve the right consistency.
- Saucier Multi-Use Pot (4.5 Quart, Aluminum) – Excellent for making a large batch of Cincinnati chili or any other stew/steward dish that requires simmering and reduction.
History of the recipe
Cincinnati Chili’s origin story dates back to the early 1900s when Macedonian immigrants, specifically from Thessaloniki in Greece and surrounding areas, settled in Cincinnati. These newcomers brought their culinary traditions with them, including a spicy tomato-based sauce that evolved into what we now know as the distinctive chili of the region. Serving these chilies atop hot dogs or hamburgers became a popular street food tradition among locals and eventually gained national recognition for its unique taste and communal dining culture.
Fun facts about this recipe
– Cincinnati Chili is often referred to as “five-way” when served with the traditional spaghetti, hot dog, chili beans, onions, and cheese. The number refers to these components rather than ingredients.
– Unlike its close relative, the chili con carne, Cincinnati Chili is distinctly smoother, using tomatoes instead of chunks and a blend that includes cocoa powder for depth and richness.
– This dish has inspired countless variations across different cities in America, with some regions adding their own twist to the original recipe. However, Cincinnati Chili retains its authentic roots and cherished place among food enthusiasts who celebrate this heartwarming and flavorful legacy.