Lentils and meaty minced mushrooms stand in for ground beef in this plant-based spin on a Queen City treasure.
Its a reasonably healthful budget recipe with tons of leftovers.
Serve it over spaghetti for a dinner thatll stick to your ribs and leave you smiling.
Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel
What Makes Cincinnati Chili Special?
In a word, meat and spices.
This version stacks up admirably against its meaty predecessors.
Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel
Youll also want to see to it your obligatory splash of Worcestershire sauce is veganmany brands contain anchovies.
For many, shredded cheese is an important topping (see more below).
The thin strands of cheese melt yieldingly into the chili, mitigating the heavy-handedness of the spices.
Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel
Now all we need is to develop a vegangoettarecipe and well have all our bases covered.
Check the label to check that its vegan.
For an easy substitute, use soy sauce spiked with a little molasses.
Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel
To use plant-based ground meat, such as Beyond Beef or Impossible Burger, omit the mushrooms and lentils.
Use 24 ounces of plant-based meat crumbles, adding them in Step 2.
Be mindful not to go too far, or theyll turn to mush.
Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel
Set the mushrooms aside.
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
This should take 1 to 3 minutes.
Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel
Add the water, which will help keep the tomato paste from scorching.
Stir well, scraping the bottom to free any stuck-on paste.
Mix them together into a sludge.
Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel
Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
How long this will take will depend on the key in and age of the lentils you are using.
Stir the chili often.
Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel
You want the volume to reduce, but add water if needed so the lentils can cook through.
Simple Tip!
Add the vinegar and chocolate, if using.
Let sit for 10 minutes, then taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Serve as desired: over spaghetti, over a Coney dog, or in a bowl.
Top with the combo of toppings that speaks to you.
Vegan Cincinnati chili will keep refrigerated for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 1 year.