Cincinnati "Skyline" Style Chili

I've been wanting to write about this recipe for a long time now but of course life has gotten in the way and I've been reduced to a full week of "Bisy Bakson" syndrome (read the "Tao of  Pooh" if you want to know what I'm talking about, I highly recommend it.)  I became familiar with Skyline Chili when I was passing through Cincinnati years ago as part of a work related conference.  It's an interesting take on chili as it involves no beans in the recipe like we're used to with the Tex-Mex style chili's.  Invented by Nicholas Lambrinides in 1949 and so named because he could see the Cincinnati Skyline outside of his first restaurant, it incorporates spices and flavors he learned from watching his family cook back in Kastoria, Greece.¹  When done right, the spices meld together in a intense dance of flavor on your tongue.  While the original recipe remains a secret, I have been able to piece together what I feel is the closest recipe to the original.  Dad, who is also very familiar with Skyline Chili, gave it two thumbs up.



Skyline Chili
2lbs Ground Chuck or Sirloin or a mix of the two
2C Chopped Onion, about 1 medium onion
3 1/4 C Beef Stock
6oz Tomato Paste
3T Chili Powder
2tsp Worcestershire Sauce
4 Cloves Garlic, Minced Fine
1tsp Cumin
1/2tsp Cayenne Powder
1/4tsp Ground Cloves
1C Water
2T Braggs Cider Vinegar
2 3/4 T Good Quality Cocoa Powder
1tsp Cinnamon
1/2tsp Salt
1/4tsp Ground Mace
1 Bay Leaf

Brown beef and onions in a large stock pot.  Drain fat then add beef stock, simmer 10 mins.  Add remaining ingredients and simmer 1 hour uncovered.  Chili can be served 4 different ways:

1 way, Chili served over spaghetti
2 way, Chili served over spaghetti and topped with cheese
3 way (pictured up top), Chili served over spaghetti and topped with cheese and chopped onion
4 way, Chili over spaghetti topped with kidney beans, cheese and chopped onion

Note: These were the original ways it was served, the menu has changed over the years.  This chili also makes and amazing topping for chili-cheese fries or as a Coney Island Hot Dog.

Source:
1) The Story of Skyline Chili

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