Background
If you have never heard of Cincinnati Chili it is unique to Cincinnati and is NOT like any other chili -- this is a main dish and not a soup.
Traditionally, it is served on spaghetti and depending on the toppings can be a 3-way, 4-way, or 5 way. Toppings include grated cheddar cheese (pretty much required) and options of chopped onions and kidney beans. It is served with oyster crackers.
It is also served on a hot dog and bun and is known as a coney, usually a cheese coney, and again the other toppings and mustard can be added.
Ingredients
| Amount | Measure | Ingredient |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | quart | tomato juice |
| 3 | TBS | cocoa powder |
| 1 | TBS | butter - melted |
| 2 | lb | ground meat (beef / turkey) |
| 1 | tsp | cinnamon |
| 1 | tsp | ground cumin |
| 1/8 | tsp | garlic powder |
| 4 | tsp | chili powder (regular + ancho) |
| 1 | tsp | allspice |
| 5 | bay leaves | |
| 1 | tsp | pepper |
| 1/4 | tsp | red pepper |
| 1 | tsp | salt |
| 1/2 | tsp | sugar |
| 1 | dash | Worcestershire Sauce |
| 2 | TBS | cider vinegar |
| 1 | cup | water |
| 1 | whole | onion |
Steps
- Pour tomato juice into large pot (4-6 quart) & heat to medium-high
- Mix cocoa powder with melted butter to make a paste & then incorporate into the heated juice
- Add the spices to the liquid
- Crumble the ground meat into the pot. Use a potato masher to further break up & brown the meat
- Cut off the ends of the onion & place it in the pot whole
- Bring to a boil & then lower to medium-low, simmering for 1.5 - 2 hours & stirring regularly
- Remove the bay leaves & onion before serving
- Cool to remove any fat from the top, preferably overnight. This always tastes better the next day.
Note:
When using ground turkey, remember to feel free to significantly increase the seasonings.
