4-Way
Spaghetti topped with Skyline's famous chili, onions, and a mound of shredded cheddar cheese.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Skyline Chili
Cincinnati chili, despite its name, has roots in immigrant cuisine, particularly Macedonian. The Kiradjieff brothers, immigrants from Macedonia, developed the chili in the 1920s, adapting traditional Balkan stews to American tastes and ingredients. They sought a dish that was inexpensive and appealing to a broad audience, and that is how this unique dish emerged.
Cincinnati chili, particularly Skyline Chili's version, is a deeply ingrained part of Cincinnati culture. It's more than just food; it's a nostalgic comfort food and a local institution.
Local Staple
Cincinnati chili is a ubiquitous food item in the Cincinnati metropolitan area. Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili are the two major chains, and it's common to see people eating it for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night snack.
Regional Identity
The dish is strongly associated with Cincinnati and is often used to define the city's culinary identity. It's a dish locals are proud of, even if its unique flavor profile is sometimes met with skepticism by outsiders.
Family Tradition
For many Cincinnatians, eating Cincinnati chili is a family tradition, passed down through generations. It's a comfort food that evokes feelings of home and nostalgia.
Cincinnati chili is characterized by its unique blend of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, complemented by the tang of cheddar cheese and the sharp bite of onions.
The chili itself is a mildly spiced meat sauce flavored with cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and even chocolate in some recipes, giving it a distinct sweetness. The spaghetti provides a neutral base, while the onions add a pungent contrast. The generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese contributes a sharp, creamy, and tangy element, balancing the other flavors.
Cheese Quality
Use freshly shredded, sharp cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which prevents it from melting as smoothly.
Onion Prep
Finely dice the onions to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the dish and provide a consistent bite.
Chili Consistency
Cincinnati chili is typically thin and soupy, not thick and chunky. Adjust the liquid content during preparation to achieve the correct consistency.
Eating Technique
Many Cincinnatians eat their chili with a fork and knife, cutting through the spaghetti, chili, onions, and cheese together for a balanced bite.
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