My version of Cincinnati chili.
Where I come from, this is a 3-way. Specifically, it’s chili served up over spaghetti noodles and topped off with grated cheese. If you want a 4-way, you will get either onions or beans added. And for a 5-way, you will get both onions and beans. On the side are salty oyster crackers. To most of the world, this is one bizarre combination. But to Cincinnatians, it’s normal stuff.
Cincinnati chili is not a typical chili con carne, but more of a meat sauce. Rumor has it that the minced beef is flavored with cinnamon and chocolate. Depending on your loyalties, you eat your Cincinnati chili at one of two chains: Skyline or Gold Star. For me, it’s Skyline all the way as I worked there during university.
By the way, I must have been craving a taste of home yesterday as I made some Cincinnati style chili here in Stockholm. I had a packet of the Cincinnati spice mix but instead of ground beef, I used tofu. It was really good. But don’t tell my Cincinnati friends – I’m pretty sure they would consider the tofu substitution to be heresy.
A packet of Cincinnati chili spices.
{ 5 comments }
Sam, Sophie, and I had Skyline 3 ways today!
OH! Hold the tofu
Fine, rub it in Doug!
A shout out from my Mom that there are five – yes five – Skyline Chili locations in Florida! Who knew? I know I’ll be checking it out the next time I am in lovely Naples.
Ah, that is funny Zanne. It must be all those Cincinnati snowbirds forcing the demand!
Comments on this entry are closed.