Cincinnati chili is a unique style of chili that originated in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is characterized by a sweeter and milder flavor than traditional chili, and is often served over spaghetti or hot dogs. Common ingredients include ground beef, chili powder, cinnamon, allspice, and cocoa powder, as well as various other spices and seasonings. It is typically topped with shredded cheese, onions, and beans. It’s a popular dish in the region and can be found in many restaurants and diners throughout Cincinnati.

	Ingredients:
1	2 lbs ground beef
2	2 cups beef broth
3	2 cups water
4	1 onion, diced
5	3 cloves of garlic, minced
6	2 tablespoons chili powder
7	1 tablespoon ground cumin
8	2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
9	1 teaspoon ground allspice
10	1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
11	1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
12	1/4 cup tomato paste
13	2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
14	1 tablespoon vinegar
15	1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
16	1/4 cup dark red kidney beans
17	1/4 cup light red kidney beans
18	Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-step cooking instructions of Ohio’s Cincinnati Chili:

Step-1 In a large pot browns the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat.

Step-2 Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.

Step-3 Stir in the chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step-4 Add the beef broth, water, tomato paste, cocoa powder, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well combined.

Step-5 Bring the mixture to a simmer, and then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes.

Step-6 Add the beans and cook for an additional 15 minutes.

Step-7 Season the chili with salt and pepper to taste.

Step-8 Serve the chili over spaghetti or hot dogs and top with shredded cheese, onions, and beans.

Nutritional value of Ohio’s Cincinnati Chili:

1	Calories: Approximately 400-450 calories per serving
2	Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams
3	Fat: Approximately 20-25 grams
4	Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25 grams
5	Fiber: Approximately 3-4 grams
6	Sugar: Approximately 6-8 grams

It’s high in protein, curbs, and fat. It’s also high in sodium and contains moderate amount of calories. It’s not a healthy food option if you’re looking for a low-calorie or low-fat meal.

It’s always important to check the nutritional values of any dish, as it can vary depending on the ingredients and preparation methods used. If you’re watching your diet, you may want to consider adjusting serving sizes or ingredients to meet your dietary needs.

Background History of Ohio’s Cincinnati Chili:

Cincinnati chili is a unique dish that has been enjoyed by residents of Ohio’s Cincinnati region since the early 1920s. The dish was created by Macedonian immigrants who brought their own recipes for stewed meats and spices to the Midwest. Over time, these dishes were adapted to suit the tastes of the local population, eventually leading to the creation of Cincinnati chili. This chili is unique in that it typically includes ingredients such as cinnamon, allspice, chocolate, and unsweetened cocoa powder. It is served over spaghetti noodles or hot dogs, or with shredded cheddar cheese on top. It has become an iconic dish in the area and can now be found in restaurants throughout Ohio and beyond.

	Advantages of Ohio’s Cincinnati Chili:
1	Unique and flavorful: Cincinnati chili has a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional chili. The combination of sweeter and milder spices, such as cinnamon and cocoa powder, creates a unique and delicious taste.
2	Versatile: Cincinnati chili can be served in a variety of ways, such as over spaghetti, hot dogs, or as a topping for nachos. This makes it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in different ways.
3	Easy to prepare: Cincinnati chili is relatively easy to make and can be prepared in a large batch, making it a great option for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.

	Disadvantages of Ohio’s Cincinnati Chili:
1	High in fat and calories: The traditional recipe of Cincinnati chili is high in fat and calories, which can be a concern for those watching their diet or trying to maintain a healthy weight.
2	High in sodium: Cincinnati chili also tends to be high in sodium, which can be a problem for those with high blood pressure or other health conditions that require a low-sodium diet.
3	Can be too sweet for some: The sweetness from the cocoa powder and cinnamon in Cincinnati chili can be overwhelming for some people and may not be to everyone’s taste.
4	May contain gluten: Cincinnati chili is often served over spaghetti, which contains gluten, making it not suitable for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Alternate of Ohio’s Cincinnati Chili:

1

Greek Pastitsio: Pastitsio, also spelled pastichio, is a traditional Greek dish that is similar to baked pasta with ground meat. It is made up of layers of pasta, typically a type of short, tube-shaped pasta called “macaroni,” and a meat-based sauce, typically made from ground beef or lamb. The pasta and meat sauce are topped with a creamy béchamel sauce, which is made from butter, flour, milk, and egg yolks, and often grated cheese, such as kefalotyri or parmesan, is sprinkled on top before baking. It is a popular dish in Greece, and is often served as a main course, either as a family meal or as part of a larger Greek feast. It’s also quite common to find variations of this dish in other Mediterranean countries, such as Egypt.

2

Baked pasta with ground meat: Baked pasta with ground meat is a classic comfort food dish that typically consists of pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, baked with a meat-based sauce made from ground beef, pork, or a combination of the two. The pasta and sauce are combined in a baking dish and topped with cheese, such as mozzarella or parmesan, before being baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and the dish is hot and bubbly. Variations of the dish can include the addition of vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, and the use of different types of pasta or cheese.

Mostly questions asked about Ohio’s Cincinnati Chili:

1: What is Cincinnati chili?

A: Cincinnati chili is a unique style of chili that originated in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is characterized by a sweeter and milder flavor than traditional chili, and is often served over spaghetti or hot dogs. It’s a popular dish in the region and can be found in many restaurants and diners throughout Cincinnati.

2: How is Cincinnati chili served?

A: Cincinnati chili is typically served over spaghetti or hot dogs, and is often topped with shredded cheese, onions, and beans.

3: What makes Cincinnati chili different from traditional chili?

A: Cincinnati chili has a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional chili. The combination of sweeter and milder spices, such as cinnamon and cocoa powder, creates a unique and delicious taste. It’s also served over spaghetti or hotdogs.

4: How many ways can Cincinnati chili are served?

A: Cincinnati chili can be served in a variety of ways, such as over spaghetti, hot dogs, or as a topping for nachos, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in different ways.

5: Is Cincinnati chili healthy?

A: Cincinnati chili is high in protein, curbs, and fat. It’s also high in sodium and contains moderate amount of calories. It’s not a healthy food option if you’re looking for a low-calorie or low-fat meal. It’s always important to check the nutritional values of any dish, as it can vary depending on the ingredients and preparation methods used.

6: Can Cincinnati chili be made in advance?

A: Cincinnati chili can be made in advance and reheated when ready to serve, making it a great option for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

7: Why do they call it Cincinnati chili?

A: Chili con carne was already widely available in Cincinnati when our Greek-Macedonian chefs started cooking their distinctive dish. They decided to call the new meal chili because calling it “that meat sauce we made back home” wouldn’t fly.

8: What food is Cincinnati most famous for?

A: Few cuisines are more recognizable in Ohio than Cincinnati chili, a layered classic that comes in a variety of varieties. Although there are many great places in the city to get this food, Camp Washington Chili is the most well-known. If you want to sample the most well-known dish in the city, you must stop by this 24-hour restaurant.

9: Who made the first Cincinnati chili?

A: Cincinnati chili created by Tom Kiradjieff.

10. What is Ohio’s most iconic food?

A: Ohio’s state candy, buckeyes, is widely available in the state at eateries, petrol stations, cafes, and potlucks. These treats are produced with peanut butter that has been shaped into balls, dipped in melted chocolate, and then coated on all sides but one.