Cincinnati Chili Mediterranean Spices (Printer-Friendly Version)
Sweet-spiced Cincinnati chili served over spaghetti, finished with cheese and topping options for a comforting meal.
# Required Ingredients:
→ Chili Base
01 -
900 g lean ground beef
02 -
1 litre beef broth
03 -
85 g tomato paste
04 -
1 medium white onion, finely chopped
05 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
15 ml apple cider vinegar
07 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
08 -
1 beef bouillon cube
09 -
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
10 -
15 g granulated sugar
→ Spices and Seasonings
11 -
2 tablespoons chili powder
12 -
1 teaspoon ground cumin
13 -
1 teaspoon dried oregano
14 -
2 bay leaves
15 -
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
16 -
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
17 -
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
18 -
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
19 -
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
20 -
1 1/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
→ For Serving
21 -
450 g spaghetti noodles, cooked
22 -
170 g shredded cheddar cheese
23 -
120 g kidney beans, drained and warmed (optional)
24 -
1 small onion, finely diced (optional)
25 -
oyster crackers (optional)
26 -
hot sauce, to taste (optional)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
In a large pot, combine lean ground beef with beef broth. Using a potato masher or sturdy whisk, break the meat into small, uniform pieces. Cook over medium-high heat until the beef is finely minced and fully browned.
02 -
Add chopped white onion and minced garlic to the pot. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and flavors to meld.
03 -
Stir in tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, beef bouillon, cocoa powder, and granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated.
04 -
Add chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, bay leaves, ground cinnamon, allspice, cloves, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine.
05 -
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 60 to 120 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes too dry, add additional beef broth as needed. Skim off any excess fat. Discard bay leaves before serving.
06 -
Meanwhile, cook spaghetti noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
07 -
To serve, portion spaghetti onto plates. Ladle hot chili over pasta, and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Add kidney beans, diced onion, oyster crackers, and hot sauce as desired.
# Handy Cooking Tips:
01 -
For authentic texture, ensure the beef is fully broken down and finely minced before simmering. Refrigerating overnight intensifies flavor development.