In America, chili is almost as popular as pizza.

Texas Chili

Texans pride themselves in their hot and spicy chili. Texas chili is a no bean chili, made with cuts of  beef. It’s usually served up as a bowl of chili with crackers or cornbread on the side. It’s also used as a topping for a variety of foods: frito pie, nachos, enchiladas, chili cheese fries, loaded baked potatoes, and chili burgers.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground round steak or cubed chuck steak
• 3 large onions
• 3 teaspoons garlic powder
• 3 teaspoons ground cumin
• 3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
• 5 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 large (32 oz) can tomato juice
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced
• 2 (12 oz)  can tomato paste

Directions:

1. Brown beef, onions, and bell pepper. Add garlic.
2. When browned, add remaining ingredients except the jalapenos. Simmer for 2 hours.
3. Add jalapeno peppers and simmer for one hour longer.
4. Offer optional toppings like: shredded cheese, chopped onions, corn chips, cornbread, or crackers.

Cincinnati Chili

In contrast to Texas Chili, Cincinnati Chili is more of a soup than a chili. This version includes an unusual mix of spices including: cinnamon, chocolate or cocoa, allspice, and Worcestershire Sauce. Cincinnati Chili is usually poured over mounds of spaghetti and topped with shredded cheese.

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 pound extra-lean ground beef
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon red (cayenne) pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa or 1/2 ounce grated unsweetened chocolate
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 (16-ounce) package uncooked dried spaghetti

Directions:

1. In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, saute onion, ground beef, garlic, and chili powder until ground beef is slightly cooked.
2. Add allspice, cinnamon, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, unsweetened cocoa or chocolate, tomato sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, cider vinegar, and water. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, 1 1/2 hours. Remove from heat.
3. Cook spaghetti according to package directions and transfer onto individual dinner plates.
4. Top with chili.

A popular way to serve up Cincinnati chili is called, “five way.” Start with a bowl of pasta, top with chili, cheese, onions, and kidney beans. Serve with oyster crackers on the side.

Chili Cook Off

In Texas, chili cook-offs are culinary events. Points are calculated by levels of heat and taste. Texas Chili can include beer, several different kinds of pepper, and various cuts of venison or beef.

With Cincinnati Chili, it’s more about keeping the unusual original taste of the unique blend of spices. The fun part about eating Cincinnati Chili is the combination of chili and spaghetti layered it with as many toppings as possible. It’s like eating a spaghetti sundae or a version of pasta nachos. Whichever version is preferred, chili is no doubt a true comfort food.

Which One Do You Pick?

You be the judge. Which chili do you prefer? Do you have your own unique chili recipe? I’d love to see it. Please share with me in the comment section below.