Cincinnati Chili
Try this Cincinnati Chili recipe.
Try this Cincinnati Chili recipe.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1/2 (1 ounce) square unsweetened chocolate
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans beef broth
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Carbohydrate 2.70451155433881 g
- Cholesterol 81.4419529 mg
- Fat 20.0932872779379 g
- Fiber 1.1349709293815 g
- Protein 22.5458155647993 g
- Saturated Fat 7.69317922585075 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (133g)
- Sodium 121.283159776844 mg
- Sugar 1.5695406249573 g
- Trans Fat 2.5989596236636 g
- Calories 285 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 6 minutes.
- Add beef, in batches if necessary, and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until browned.
- Add chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, cloves, bay leaf, chocolate, beef broth, tomato sauce, cider vinegar, and red pepper.
- Stir to mix well. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- It is best if you refrigerate overnight.
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Reheat gently over medium heat.
- Serve over hot, drained spaghetti.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
A Cincinnati Chili Story: From Busy Mom to Chili Connoisseur
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between school drop-offs, demanding meetings, and endless grocery lists, finding time for anything beyond the basics feels like a luxury. Dinner, often, becomes a battleground of convenience versus nutrition. But recently, I rediscovered the simple joy of cooking, and it all started with a pot of Cincinnati chili. It wasn't just a meal; it was a journey, a testament to the power of flavorful simplicity, and a delicious way to reconnect with my family.
I stumbled upon this recipe almost by accident, buried amidst a flurry of online searches for quick weeknight dinners. The description was simple, the ingredients readily available, and something about the unique blend of spices intrigued me. I'm not a culinary expert by any stretch; I'm a woman who appreciates efficiency and straightforward instructions. And this recipe delivered. The process itself was surprisingly therapeutic. The rhythmic chopping of onions, the satisfying sizzle of the beef, the rich aroma that filled the kitchen – it was a welcome break from the usual chaos. It was a chance to slow down, breathe, and focus on something other than deadlines and to-do lists.
What truly surprised me, though, was the final product. The chili wasn't just good; it was exceptional. The perfect balance of sweet and savory, spicy and warm, it transcended the usual “weeknight dinner” category. It was a dish worthy of sharing, a dish that sparked conversations and created memories. My kids, who usually approached dinner with a mixture of indifference and skepticism, devoured it. My husband, usually content with his usual fare, found himself reaching for seconds (and then thirds!).
The best part? The leftovers were even better the next day! The flavors had melded beautifully overnight, deepening and intensifying. I packed the leftovers into individual containers for lunches throughout the week – a reminder of the deliciousness I had created, a little taste of home amidst the whirlwind of my day. This Cincinnati chili wasn't just a meal; it became a symbol of self-care, a reminder that taking the time to create something nourishing and delicious for myself and my family was worth it. It was a reconnection with a simpler time, a reminder of the joy found in creating something from scratch, and the simple pleasure of sharing a heartwarming meal together.
This Cincinnati chili journey wasn’t just about the recipe; it was about rediscovering the joy in the kitchen, the satisfaction of creating a delicious meal from scratch, and the simple pleasure of sharing it with those I love. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of everyday life, there is time to slow down, reconnect with the joy of cooking, and create moments that nourish both body and soul. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a recipe for a more fulfilling life.
The unexpectedly vibrant flavors of this chili, the ease of preparation, and the overwhelmingly positive response from my family made this more than just a culinary success; it was a personal triumph. It proved that even the busiest of schedules can accommodate a little bit of home-cooked happiness, and that sometimes, the most unexpected adventures begin in the most ordinary places - like a simple chili recipe found online.
