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Cincinnati Chili Recipe

User Rating4.4 out of 5 (5 Reviews)  Write a Review

From Chef Paul Sturkey, About.com Guest

Try this hearty Cincinatti chili five ways like the locals do. It is also wonderful on hot dogs and french fries.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tablespoons oil
  • 2-1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 quart cold water
  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
  • 2 large onions, diced
  • 1-1/2 Tablespoons vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Lea & Perrin Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 2 Tablespoons chili powder
  • 5 bay leaves
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 1-1/2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

In a heavy gauge pot, heat oil, add beef until brown. Add onions and water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Add tomato paste, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, chili powder, bay leaves, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne pepper, and cocoa. Let simmer 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves before serving.

In Cincinnati the true enthusians have their Chili 1 to 5 ways:

1. Plain
2."Two Way" - Spaghetti and Chili
3."Three Way" - Chili, Spaghetti, and Cheddar Cheese
4."Four Way" - Chili, Spaghetti, Cheddar Cheese, and Onions
5."Five Way" - Chili, Spaghetti, Cheddar Cheese, Onions and Kidney Beans

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Source: Chef Paul Sturkey
Reprinted with permission.

5 out of 5 5 out of 5
September 26, 2009By mellienoodle
"I agree, this is the most like Skyline...if you omit the chili powder. After I browned and drained the meat, I then ran it through the food processor, which ground it up a bit more making it more like Skyline. Made it for work in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and the girls loved it!!!!!!"

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