Is chili a stew or a soup? Does chili contain chilies? Does chili that goes on a chili dog differ from chili that goes in a bowl? Can you serve chili on a plate?
In much of America (and generally speaking), chili is a stew with ground beef and beans with a varying degree of spices.
Image from Food Network and to this recipe
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Nah-baby-nah in Texas because chili has a spicy broth, and chunks or sliced bits of beef, but no beans.
Image from Food Network and to this recipe
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Then again, some substitute chicken for beef, plus switch from red beans to white.
Image from Food Network and to this recipe
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Others proclaim a chili without meat, so bring on the vegetarian chili.
Image from Food Network and to this recipe
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Other variations include using sausage, turkey, pork, lamb, and include this wonderful rendition from Argentina (a past post).
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By visiting us in Cincinnati, chili takes on an entirely different meaning … and on a plate.
Image property of Skyline Chili
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Come on St. Patrick’s Day, it’s taken to another level.
Image property of Skyline Chili
Sheesh. Just when I thought I understood chili.
Mobius,
Although this is a Cincinnati tradition, there are a few locations your part of the state. Here’s the restaurant locator! http://skylinechili.com/locator.php ….. thanks for visiting.
Skyline=Heavenly goodness!
Mmmmmm- I’m hungry.
Snaap,
Well said by my fellow local! I hope you appreciated the green holiday version. Thanks for visiting.
The pile of cheese on the last one looks yummy skyline chili. I also like all the add ons the onions, the sour cream on the others. I don’t think I’ve tried lime on chili before at least I don’t think have. I bet that would be good. I’ll have to take a look at these recipes. I know I’m hungry now!
Starla,
Ha ha …. to satisfy your appetite, chili at your home soon? There simply are so many variations of chili, but the Cincinnati version is unique. I’ve always wanted to do a post about Cincinnati chili, and maybe this post will get me to do that! Thanks for commenting.
I’ve been trying to collect new recipes to try new things. I like the idea of unique you never know when you give a new recipe a try it can be added to your favorties. :+) Life is a lot of cooking over the years we cook a lot here.
Starla,
Both of us in this house enjoy cooking … heck, I look for new recipes for that surprise dinner! Meanwhile, maybe some of the ideas in this post will spark your interest. Thanks for commenting.
I’ve already put some of the recipes from this post on my favorites! Thank You nom nom nom :+)
i knew the “no beans” thing only because of an episode of ‘the big bang theory.”
love chili with blue corn chips.
Brains,
Interesting how show writers work in those little tidbits … and yum to blue corn chips! Thanks for visiting.
Hi,
So many different ways to have chili, unreal, but you just have to love the green spaghetti.
Mags,
Absolutely … then toss in the variations with spices, Wow! However, Cincinnati-style chili (over spaghetti and topped with cheese) is a local classic causing many out-of-towners to have a confused look when it is described to them! But we love it! Thanks for visiting.
We have a Skyline right around teh corner…Stuff is crazy-good! But my chicken chilli can standup against any other version!
Good stuff Frank!
Beeze,
That’s great news … and as you know, there are not that many of them in your area. You also know that a bowl of it would be a bit shaky at best …. knowing you are a cooking legend, and I imagine that your chicken chili would be very good. Thanks for stopping by!
Anything with that much cheese has to be good!
Spinny,
Cincinnati-style chili is a great example of a regional dish … and you would be surprised to see the number of chili parlors in this area. When I first came to the area, I didn’t know anything about it, but once I tried it, I was hooked. Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks!!? You just ruined my diet for today! I look forward to your promised Cincinnati-style chili post.
Tim,
Oh no … but that means who now crave chili! Thanks for sharing.
I thought I had chilli downpat but now you’ve confused me. I’ve been limiting myself clearly – there are so many other chillies I haven’t tried. More cooking to be done around here for sure! xx
Spiced,
Knowing your joy for cooking, your comment caused me to smile … now I will be curious to see what new creation you bring forth! …. and I imagine the Cincinnati-style chili (Skyline) caught you by surprise. Thanks for commenting.
Speaking of ….. did you ever ask your sister for the “hot dog sauce” secret yummy recipe?
Brenda,
A special welcome to a first-time commenter. Meanwhile …. oops … I have forgotten to act on your request, thus I appreciate your reminder.
Even though it is breakfast time here, I’m hungry for chili! The vegetarian looks great, have to try it. The Cinci version of chili reminds me of a local Pittsburgh sandwich tradition at Ptimanti Brothers – the french fries go inside the sandwich along with everything else. Every city must have its quirky “must try” foods – thanks for sharing this one, Frank!
Lynn,
Well said about the quirky nature of some local goods. I’ve never been to Primanti Brothers, but I do recall the first time I saw the experience on Food Network …. WOW! Thanks for sharing and visiting.
I love chili in many of it’s glorious forms, but vegetarian in a traditional chili sauce with white beans, squash and zucchini is my absolute fav. Thanks for sharing!!
HFW,
Welcome first-time commenter … and your comment reinforces that the many variations available in chili. Thanks for visiting and please return.
By chance, were you hungry when coming up with this topic
I discovered that in England – at least to students with limited cooking and purchasing abilities – “chili” meant ground beef with spicy sauce and perhaps some kidney beans, over rice. Neither soup nor stew!
Twixt,
Nope, I wasn’t hungry when doing this post. It has been in my head, but the green spaghetti experience brought it all together. Chili simply has so many definitions – or a common definition that is interpreted who knows how many ways. Thanks for visiting!
WOW! I can see chili is in every meal, as ours too… Thank you dear Frank, it was nice post. With my love, nia
This post is making me hungry
Oh Frank…thanks so much for making me crave chili at 8.30 in the morning! To answer your questions….in my opinion…
1 – Neither….it stands alone.
2 – Of course otherwise it would not be called ‘chili’.
3 – Without question.
4 – I suppose…though I think plates are highly over-rated and prefer just about everything in a bowl.
This said….ALL your photos look incredibly appetizing! And I’d definitely be willing and wanting to try them all.
Alex,
Not only do I love you answers, hooray … you are willing to try our Cincinnati version! (It’s unique). And we had fun with the St. Patrick’s Day version! Thanks for visiting and commenting.
When it comes to food, as with most things, there is very little I’m not willing to try!
That a way … Alex is a gamer! By the way, since you live in Texas, what how would a typical Texan respond on this post?
Ah – now that explains why my daughter in law’s Mexican grandmother’s recipe for chilli had NO beans in it, and being polite I was wary of asking her whether she forgot to write beans.. chilli has beans doesn’t it? I thought.. and I have been afraid to make it in case she says where are the beans and i have to say, they were not in the recipe! and .. well…You can never be too careful with daughters in law!! thank you frank for clearing that up and have a grand day! c
Celi,
Being a one is knows her way around the kitchen, I was hoping you would see this. Plus, a New Zealander now in the US provides a fresh perspective … so I appreciate your comment and perspective!
Great. Now I’m hungry. At least I was until I saw that plate of green spaghetti. Roman wars have been started over lesser travesties.
H.E.
Glad that I was able to create an appetite. Of course only time will tell how long it takes to solve the chili urge. In terms of the green spaghetti, we enjoyed it … and it was a first for us. I have learned that Skyline is planning to offer it again on March 17, 2013. Thanks for stopping by.
Hey there, Frank. From my little spot in the Lone Star State – here’s the spin on chili: neither a stew or soup … it’s chili. Yes, contains chilies or chili powder. Yes, what goes on dogs is different. Bowls Only. Beans, mos def. We don’t put a bunch of glop on top because it’s so good, it needs nothing more. That white stuff isn’t chili even though it snags the name in some areas. Turkey can be substituted for beef, veggie chili good too. All in a bowl. Good post, my friend!
Izzie,
It’s great to get a Texas perspective on this post – however I imagine opinions in your state also vary. Bottom line – thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts!
I’m glad Izzie answered….not actually being a Texan, I would be a bit reluctant to speak for one. : )
Now, had you mentioned bar-b-que have the Lone Star State would have shown up! : )
That is completely understandable.
Beans are a hideous addition to chili – hence my love for Texas-style. I have heard of Skyline – we had a few of those back in Chicago. We used to have a GREAT place called 5-way Chili, which (literally) served chili either plain or with 4 additional steps of “add-ins”. They did theirs with macaroni, rather than spaghetti, but NEVER with beans. Unfortunately, they didn’t last long – too many bean-loving heathens in the Windy City!
And beans may be the mark of heathenism, but I think trying to serve chili on a plate can get you the death penalty in a number of states. Skyline’s product withstanding, of course.
John,
… Just so you know, when I go to Skyline, I order a 4-way bean. 
BTW – (for your next trip to the city) they are in Columbus! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thanks for your perspective on beans in chili, thus supportive that they seem to be a controversial ingredient. (Then again, volatile for some.) Seems the Chicago restaurant was doing their version of Cincinnati chili – just another attempt of “Often imitated, never duplicated.”
Ok, the green spaghetti freaked me out a bit. But I’d love to try it.
Entering a chili cook-off competition is actually making its way from the bottom of my list to nearer and nearer the top.
I just have to let my friend know he’s entering with me…
Frank! You made me hungry. I used to have a Man Party at my house for about 10 years (another story) and we had a chili cook-off. There was definitely chili peppers in it, and it was stew!
Les,
Chili cook-offs are always a lot of fun. I’ve never entered one, but have attended and even judged. Those events also demonstrate the wide-range of tastes and expectations that different people have about the dish. Thanks for sharing.
That Cincinnati chili looks scrumptious. There’s a Skyline in the Tampa Bay area (Clearwater, specifically) but it’s quite a drive from my end of town. I can only make it there about once a year. It’s not quite the same buying it in the frozen food section. Thanks for including it in your post!
Luke,
Back in the day, Tampa was the only place outside of Cincinnati to have a Skyline restaurant. Then again, that’s because the Reds trained in Tampa at the time. Since most people outside of this area plus those that have never visited, the Cincinnati style isn’t as well known. However, Food Network has included it on several episodes. Glad I was able to rekindle mouth-watering thoughts from your past! Thanks for commenting.
Okay Mr. Frank.. you have successfully made me want chili on this first day of spring lol. And I won’t care if I get hot eating it either. I LOVE chili without beans.. since I am still new to beans.
Kay,
Good news is that you are not the only person who has craved chili after reading this post. Beans or no beans, bottom line is there are so many variations …. but Cincinnati style stands on its own in terms of uniqueness. Thanks for visiting.
Looks great Frank!!!
Have a nice dinner
xandi
Xandi,
Thanks for stopping by.
Choices on this page are bountiful, but tonight will be squash ravioli in sage butter.
Holy cow Frank at the first chili picture! I love chili and you just made me hungry again, tsk, tsk! Happy First day of Spring! I made carrot cake a few moments ago to celebrate this change of season, although it had been quite Spring like for the past month or two. Great post!
Java,
…. and carrot cake is good for all seasons. Thanks for visiting.
This post has made more than a few people hungry! Celebrating the change of season with a cake seems like a good idea.
We make it with beans, and I guess that’s the way I was raised. I like it spicy and love to smother it in chopped onions. But I think there couldn’t possibly be a chili, meat or beans, that I wouldn’t just love! I’m glad we’re still having cool weather here in Southern California, and chili and cornbread is still a good idea. You’ve made my mouth water! Debra
Debra,
Given that you still have some cool weather, hopefully you will have some chili soon. Thanks for visiting.
Beans for me, but no to chopped onions as a topping.
A very interesting post to show how chili is so different in regions of the country. I like all varieties…be it in a bowl, on top of a dog or even over spaghetti.
Karen,
Thanks for visiting!
A special welcome to the Back Road Journalist! The number of variation on the chili theme is remarkable … and thanks for recognizing the spaghetti version! By the way, with this dish, we don’t twirl the spaghetti, it’s cut and scoop with a fork.
Thank you for the welcome. Cut and scoop is the way I grew up. It wasn’t until I traveled that I learned to twirl.
LOL …. now that’s a good one!
Chili rocks! Great “foodie” post!
Hook,
Simply well said … the remaining question for anyone is simply taste preferences.
Ahhh. food!!! Sad to say, I am not a fan of chili dishes *pout*
Here in Sweden, chili is: chili is a stew with ground beef and beans with a varying degree of spices. —- yup! Like how you’ve described it above. Many Swedes love it and I have no idea why.
Oh… the Cincinnati chili looks like my kind of thing. Interesting! I want to taste it!
Maxi,
Many thanks for the Swedish interpretation of chili. Given the wide range of recipes, I bet you could come up with a your own chili variation that you would like.
Cincinnati chili is quite different. Actually a variation from the Greek community here many years ago. But it is for topping on spaghetti (as shown), hot dogs, baked potatoes, and it makes a great dip! Some have claimed to replicate the recipe, but I’m not sure how close they are. See this Google search result for something you may want to try. Thanks for stopping by and I hope all is well with you.
I love spicy jot chili on hot dogs in a bowl or any which way. Especially w/Frito’s on top with sour cream and cheese! Makes me very happy!
Kellie,
Alright … you are the first to add Frito’s! It’s great that this post of food sparked a smile of the countless variations. Thanks for commenting.
I am not a fan of Skyline Chili, but it was Skyline Chili that taught me how to eat chili Cincinnati style. I love it on pasta, with onions, cheese, etc.
That vegetarian chili looks scrumptious. I’m off to check it out. Thanks!
Robin,
Thanks for visiting.
Cincinnati chili is an acquired taste for town-of-towners. I came to the city after college, and once I had it, I was hooked. I’m glad you have learned to eat it the correct way.
Hi Frank! I was referred to your blog by Alex and fasab. Good stuff, all! I have to comment on the Ohio/Texas chili conundrum. I was born in Leipsic, Ohio, but moved to Texas at seven (7) years old. The “beans vs. no beans” thing is so funny to me! Texans are adament THERE ARE NO BEANS in “real” chili. Everyone else in the world thinks “YES” to the bean. No point, really. Just think it’s odd. Especially since so many “Yankees” fought at the Alamo…:)
Airport,
… loved the green spaghetti on St. Patrick’s Day. Oh well … glad to have you and please come back.
Welcome first-time commenter! … and one with an Ohio connection as well. Being a BGSU grad, I know Leipsic! .. and kudos to Alex and fasab for the referral. Thanks for confirming the beans/no beans thing. Interestingly, up here I get strange looks when I say Texas chili doesn’t have beans! Then again, Texans don’t have Cincinnati chili.