Authentic Cincinnati Chili

Description

This was handed down to me by Mom, a Cincinnati native. Skimming the fat makes this a healthier version than most, and gives it the right consistency. I like mine 4-way, with spaghetti, raw chopped onions, grated mild cheddar, and oyster crackers!

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 quart water, or amount to cover
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ (1 ounce) square unsweetened chocolate
  • ¼ cup chili powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • 5 whole cloves
  • 5 whole allspice berries
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  1. Place ground beef in a large pan
  2. cover with cold water
  3. and bring to a boil
  4. stirring and breaking up beef with a fork to a fine texture. Slowly boil until meat is thoroughly cooked
  5. about 30 minutes
  6. then remove from heat and refrigerate in the pan overnight.
  7. The next day
  8. skim the solid fat from the top of the pan
  9. and discard.
  10. Place pan with beef over medium heat
  11. and stir in onions
  12. tomato sauce
  13. vinegar
  14. Worcestershire sauce
  15. garlic
  16. chocolate
  17. chili powder
  18. salt
  19. cumin
  20. cinnamon
  21. cayenne pepper
  22. cloves
  23. allspice berries
  24. and bay leaf.
  25. Bring to a boil
  26. reduce heat to a simmer
  27. and cook
  28. stirring occasionally
  29. for 3 hours. Add water if necessary to prevent the chili from burning.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 3 hrs 30 mins

Total Time: 11 hrs 45 mins

Servings: 10

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