How to Make Chili

 I have been making this chili for more than twenty years. I have revised this chili more times than I can count, but this is the one my family always asks for. I lived in Kentucky several years ago, about seventy miles from Cincinnati, Ohio, where they are famous for their Cincinnati style chili using cinnamon and cocoa powder along with various other spices. While this is not a Cincinnati style chili, I use just a touch of cinnamon and cocoa powder in the seasoning mix. Both of these ingredients are optional, but give it a try, I think you will like it.

Step 1

Chili seasoning mix

In a food processor or blender, add the following ingredients:

1/3 cup of commercial (not hot) chili powder

3 Tbsp. of ground cumin

3 Tbsp of cilantro

1/4 tsp. of cinnamon (optional)

1/2 tsp. cocoa powder (optional)

2 tsp. of cayenne pepper or to taste

1 Tbsp. salt or to taste

2 Tbsp. garlic powder2 Tbsp. onion powder1 Tbsp. finely chopped dried Anaheim chile peppers or to taste

Cover food processor or blender and blend until mixed well.

Step 2

Chili

1 ½ lb. of ground chuck

2 large cans crushed tomatoes

1 small can of chopped green chiles

1 large onion chopped

2 cup of beef broth or beef stock

2 Tbsp. olive oil

2 15 oz. cans chili beans

Step 3

Preheat 8 quart pot over medium high heat, add ground chuck and 2 tbsp of seasoning mix and cook until meat is just brown. Remove meat from pan, drain and set aside. Add olive or vegetable oil to hot pan along with the chopped onion and sauté until onion is tender. Return ground chuck to pan with onions, add two tbsp. of seasoning mix and let cook for two minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, add two more tbsp of seasoning mix, simmer for five minutes, add beef broth or beef stock and green chiles. Bring to a slow boil, reduce heat and simmer for one hour. Add beans ten minutes before serving. Serve hot.

Tips:

Top with chopped raw onion, grated cheddar cheese, or oyster crackers for a Cincinnati style flavor.

You can also serve over cooked white rice or spaghetti.

You can adjust measured ingredients to satisfy all palettes.

Make a day ahead to allow all flavors to meld.

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