Cincinnati Chili

Here's a recipe I've been meaning to post for a while. I have a friend from Cincinnati who told me so much about Cincinnati Chili that of course I had to try making it. I got the ingredients from his Mom when she was visiting one time and finally made it at home. For those of you who don't know, Cincinnati Chili is served one of 4 or 5 ways: One way is just the Chili with Meat; another way is with Spaghetti Noodles; another way is with Raw Onions and/or Cheese and the last way is with Kidney Beans. I'm not sure if that's the correct order of ways, but these are the right ingredients for authentic Cincinnati Chili. I like it best with Gluten Free Spaghetti and topped with sweet chopped Onions, my son and daughter-in-law definitely also wanted lots of Cheese. The Chili itself is unusual because it is spiced with Cumin and a bit of Cinnamon, Allspice and Cloves, which gives it an almost Middle Eastern flavor and because of the Chocolate added, it also reminded me a bit of Mexican Mole. It's really a delicious Chili!  

Cincinnati Chili

1 pound Ground Beef

1 Onion, minced

2 Garlic Cloves

1 14 oz can Tomato Sauce

1 cup Beef Broth

3 Tablespoons Chili Powder

1 teaspoon Sugar

1/2 teaspoon Cumin

1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon Allspice

Pinch of ground Cloves

Optional:  1 15 oz can of Kidney Bans drained

Optional:  1/2 ounce Baking Chocolate

Optional  a pinch of Red Pepper flakes

Brown the Ground Beef in a frying pan with the Onion and Garlic, breaking up the meat as much as possible. Cook until the meat is no longer pink. Add in the Spices and Chocolate (if using) then the Tomato Sauce and Beef Broth and Kidney Beans (if using).  Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes.  

Serve with cooked Spaghetti Noodles and/or Cheddar Cheese and/or raw, chopped Onions

Five Element Analysis

Ground Beef and Beef Broth belong to the Earth Element. The Spices and the Garlic and Onions contribute the Metal Element and the Cheese adds even more if you use it, The Kidney Beans bring in the Water Element (otherwise it is not strongly present except in the liquid nature of this Chili). The Fire Element is represented by the Tomato Sauce and the Red Pepper Flake sand Chocolate if you add them. The Wood Element is present if you use Spaghetti made with Wheat flour and serving it all the ways is a balanced meal. But, the Wood Element is absent if you use Gluten Free Spaghetti like I did, so be sure to add a green vegetable for balance.