Cincinnati Chili
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Cincinnati chili is a unique, Mediterranean-spiced meat sauce originating in Cincinnati, Ohio, typically served over spaghetti or hot dogs. Its key ingredients include ground beef, tomato paste, and a distinctive blend of spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, often with optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, onions, and beans.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally high in protein from the beef and can be high in carbohydrates if served over a full plate of spaghetti. A typical serving (e.g., a '3-way' with spaghetti, chili, and cheese) provides around 600-800 calories, with significant iron and B vitamins from the meat.
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's famous for its 'way' ordering system (3-way, 4-way, 5-way) and its non-traditional, cinnamon-forward spice profile, which sets it apart from other regional chili styles in the U.S.