Cincinnati Chili

Step 1

1 In a large pot over high heat, bring the water to a boil

Step 2

2 Add the ground beef and stir, breaking apart with a wooden spoon, until separated

Step 3

3 Add the onion, garlic, tomato sauce, bay leaf, chocolate, vinegar

Step 4

4 Worcestershire sauce, salt, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, cumin, black pepper, allspice and cloves and stir to combine, reduce heat to a simmer and cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and the flavors meld, about 2 1/2 hours

Step 5

5 Remove from the heat and let cool for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate overnight

Step 6

6 The next day, skim as much fat off the chili as you can and discard the bay leaf

Step 7

7 To reheat the chili, set the pot over medium-low heat until heated through, 10 to 15 minutes

Step 8

8 Ladle over spaghetti, and top with cheese, onions, beans, oyster crackers and hot sauce, as desired

Step 9

9 Serve hot

Step 10

10 VARIATION: To cook in a 6-quart Instant Pot or other multicooker, set to SAUTE (high) and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

Step 11

11 Once it starts to ripple, add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes

Step 12

12 Add the garlic and saute until aromatic, about 1 minute, stirring constantly

Step 13

13 Add the beef and saute, stirring frequently until somewhat broken up and most of the pink is gone, 3 to 5 minutes

Step 14

14 If needed, add a splash of water to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the insert

Step 15

15 Add the tomato sauce, bay leaf, chocolate, vinegar

Step 16

16 Worcestershire sauce, salt, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, cumin, black pepper, allspice and cloves, stirring constantly until the meat is separated

Step 17

17 Press CANCEL to turn off the heat

Step 18

18 Cover, set the steam valve to PRESSURE (or SEALING) and turn to HIGH

Step 19

19 After the cooker reaches high pressure, which takes 5 to 10 minutes, cook for 20 minutes

Step 20

20 Do a manual release, covering the vent with a towel and taking care to avoid steam

Step 21

21 If desired, you can return the appliance to high on SAUTE to cook it down a little more

Step 22

22 Discard the bay leaf and the chili is ready to serve as directed above, or to chill overnight before skimming