Four-Way Cincinnati Chili
Warning! Warning! This is definitely not your typical chili recipe. If you’re dead-set in your chili-making ways—and they don’t include the use of cocoa or cinnamon—this may not be the recipe for you.
I’ve been hearing praises about this sauce-like chili from certain friends and family, but I was understandably skeptical because it’s served on top of spaghetti and includes a variety of spices more commonly found in desserts. And the fun doesn’t stop there. You also have to choose which “way” you like your chili by adding one or more of the classic toppings: onion, cheese, oyster crackers, or kidney beans.
I decided that my way is four-way chili, topped with onions and vegan soy cheese (the chili and spaghetti count as the other two ways). Stick with me here, because much to my surprise, the first bite did not leave me gagging. It left me craving more because of the richness and depth of flavor in this unique chili recipe.
My leftovers are destined to become part of a vegan “Coney”—the veggie dog, Cincinnati chili, and soy cheese wonder that’s served on sliced bread instead of your traditional hot dog bun. I guess the choice of bread really isn’t that surprising, since there’s not much about Cincinnati chili that is traditional.
Cincinnati Chili
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 12-oz. pkg. frozen veggie burger crumbles
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup water
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. ground allspice
1 Tbsp. light brown sugar
1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. hot pepper sauce
16 oz. cooked spaghetti
Shredded soy cheese (optional)
Diced white onion (optional)
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan and sauté the onions until tender. Mix in the veggie burger crumbles and garlic and cook until the crumbles are no longer frozen.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, water, vinegar, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, allspice, light brown sugar, cocoa, and hot sauce.
- Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture begins to boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until thickened.
- Serve over the cooked spaghetti and top with soy cheese and/or onions, if desired.
