Make It a Three-Way: How to Do Cincinnati Chili Right When it comes to Cincinnati-style, forget what you think you know about chili. (cuz it aint)

the take out ^

[mylife]

Back in my 20s, when I was working as a sports reporter, I long-distance dated a guy from Cincinnati.

The first time he said we should “make it a three-way” my eyes bugged out of my head. No, it’s not as dirty as you’re probably thinking. But I wasn’t sure what to expect.

Cincinnati is known for many things. Hosting “Oktoberfest Zinzinnati,” the biggest Octoberfest in the U.S. Its ongoing hatred of Bengals owner Mike Brown And, most importantly, its love for a very particular type of chili.

“Cincinnati-style chili is a big thing,” says Joe O’Brien, a father of three who graduated from Oak Hills High School in Cincinnati in 1994. “People who visit have a binary reaction. You either love it or hate it.”

It’s nothing like Texas chili or any other type of chili. It’s runny. Its Greek-style tomato sauce makes it tangy instead of spicy. It’s made with tiny bits of crumbled-up ground beef boiled in water (or broth) and mixed with an assortment of spices (cumin, cloves, allspice) and tomato paste, among other ingredients, into a sludge-like concoction.

“It almost has a moussaka-like quality to it,” O’Brien says. Others say it looks like diarrhea. (You can read more about the Greek history of Cincinnati-style chili here.)

Some recipes, like the one by Meggan Hill, the executive chef and head of the Culinary Hill Test Kitchen, include apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar, and garlic. Regardless of how it’s made, oyster crackers are thrown in to soak up the juices.

“It is so unique,” O’Brien says. “You have to forget the word ‘chili’ because there’s no other style of chili you can compare it to.”

[ronniesgal]

we liked Sky Line when we were in Cincy.

[mmichaels1970]

Largest city in Kentucky.

BANG! Nice one!

Their airport's in KY by the way.

For those that have never tried a 3-way, I think they're actually pretty darned good. Basically a well spiced meat sauce over spaghetti with loads and loads of cheese. Personally, I think the OYSTER CRACKERS make it next-level stuff.

By the way, add onions and you have a "4 way". Add beans and you have a "5 way".

Of course, the last time I was at a Skyline was in college 30 or so years ago. But as far as college "after the bar" food goes, Skyline is up there just below Taco Bell.

Those Southern-Ohioans are different cats. But you can't help but love 'em.

[outofsalt]

"the writer is a girl."

Are you sure? This is 2022, so...

[mylife]

Mu mother in Ohio, God Bless her made a chili suitable for convalescing hospital patients.

[windcliff]

ping

[BushCountry]

Ha, ha... I said base. I tend to add more stuff (5 or more types of beans and more chilis).

[MomwithHope]

That sounds really good. Pork and beef definitely.

[chuck allen]

It’s probably a bi-monthly affair, but I get your point, that’s why I take Lipitor. We have Frisch’s Big Boys, Montgomery Inn Ribs and Greaters Ice Cream shops all over the place here. Great eating town.

[Poser]

Kidney beans are Italian. Black beans or pinto beans if you must.

[mylife]

definately weird.

[stinkerpot65]

Football is one thing, but food ...?

[mmichaels1970]

Excellent stuff but skip the beans

Traditionally, IIRC, beans aren't part of the "3-way". They are included in a "4 or 5-way".

3-Way - Spaghetti, Chili, Cheese
4-Way - Spaghetti, Chili, Cheese, Onions (or beans)
5-Way - Spaghetti, Chili, Cheese, Onions, Beans

Oyster crackers don't count as a "way", but they are pretty essential.

[Osage Orange]

I watch this guy....all the time. He's a great cook..and funny has heck. Cuss's a lot too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4opmiKK0NZM

[mmichaels1970]

Mu mother in Ohio, God Bless her made a chili suitable for convalescing hospital patients.

At least she didn't make it FROM convalescing hospital patients. That would just be gross.

[BushCountry]

I make a big batch (serve 60) for work’s after party Christmas Party and it is gone in 15 minutes. Boss rents out a large portion of the Hotel’s Parking lot for us to keep celebrating after the traditional party.

[mmichaels1970]

Might eat it if I was high….

YES! You have captured the essence of it perfectly!

[bigbob]

Beans, depends on the number of ways.

[pnut22]

It is not flavorless. The problem is the chosen flavor is nutmeg, not chili. I am an Ohioan and Cinci chili sucks.

[Vendome]

That is not chili....

It’s cultural appropriation and dishonest....

[TBP]

Cincinnati chili is wonderful. I had a three-way just the other night: spaghetti with Cincinnati chili and grated cheese.