17 Reviews of Cincinnati Lentils

From: Sue L

On Aug 17, 2002

This was great! It tastes just like the kinds of chili they serve around Cincinnati, and this would be a 4-way, (which is spaghetti, chili, cheese & onions) (especially if it were served on spaghetti instead of rice). I think this way is much healthier, though, (the Cincinnati restaurant versions are LOADED with calories and fat) and if someone wanted, they could even add beef and call it a 5-way (which is spaghetti, chili, cheese, onions and beans, where the lentils would count like the beans). I did douse mine with hot sauce (Frank's or Crystal are good choices) just before serving, as is the tradition, and it was wonderful, wonderful. Thank you for a fabulous recipe that will be a part of my regular collection!

From: Betsy Minatani

On Jan 26, 2003

This recipe was great. I skiped the cayenne because I have kids and doubled the cocoa and cinamon. Plus I added salt. I served the leftovers on a baked potato with cheese on top. That was good also.

From: Sharon123

On Oct 5, 2003

I made this up for the lost and found cookoff. It turned out flavorful and filling! I think I will try this with beans next time. Thanks!

From: Charishma Ramchandani

On Aug 21, 2002

I LOVE the name of this lentil. It has a nice ring to it, beautiful! At my home, I've decided to call it "Cocoa Choco Cincinati Lentils". I made it tonight and it was good, but, it was really REALLY TOO "spicy" for us.(I burnt my lips and thought of you, the mystery chef!) I added 2 tsps. more of white sugar. Also, there was no salt mentioned in the recipe, but I used 3/4 tsp. of the same. I did not have allspice nor cayenne pepper, so I used black pepper(powdered) instead. However, next time, I'll use way too little of the black pepper powder(this time I'd used 2 1/4 tsps.) because this has red chilli powder as well and it got too spicy for us. But, with yogurt and rice, this tastes yummy! Since I am not at all fond of cheese, I did not top this off with cheese. Also, I did not use green bell pepper in this(just that we dont normally like bell pepper mixed with lentils). What I adore about this recipe is that there is not 1 drop of oil used in it. That is just great as usually all the lentils I make use oil in some minimal quantity atleast. I'll definitely make this again, but go very slow on the spices or I'll be out of my house, lol. Goodluck in the contest!

From: 89240

On Mar 27, 2004

These are delicious! I used dry lentils, and I only had a can of plain diced tomatoes. It was good, and I cut back on the cayenne too, because I'm not to crazy about spicy stuff. I'll make this many more times!

From: 394mm493

On Jan 1, 2007

This is a wonderful, hearty dish. It's nice to have a healthier version of Cinci-style chili, especially one that the kids like as well. This is definitely a keeper. Thanks for the recipe, princess buttercup!

From: Roosie

On Sep 2, 2005

Delicious! A deep and spicy, although not hot blend of spices. I didn't have the green pepper, so we just added some extra celery. We served over brown basmati rice and it was great topped with some cheddar. The cocoa was great in this - dark and intriguing without having a real "chocolate" flavor to it. I did find it made more than 4 servings... more like 6-8. Great, though! Thanks!

From: phosman646

On Jan 13, 2007

Excellent and delicious..so rich and yet not very spicey..can taste the cocoa and it just deepens the taste.. served it over spaghetti instead of rice and it was just like cincinnati chile..everyone loved it..Thanks

From: doleful

On Nov 15, 2007

Tasted like the real thing -although much healthier! I never would've thought to use a substitution for ground meat to make Cincinatti Chili. This recipe is perfect, except I beg of you NOT to use any cayenne pepper at all. Authentic Cinci Chili doesn't have any heat; only spice. Unless you're using canned tomatoes without the green chiles I strongly recommend leaving out the cayenne and coasting with the 'light' heat from the chiles.

From: paynetamaz

On Aug 6, 2008

We loved this! I was thrilled that it was a healthy chili and we loved the flavor. The spices were just right. We served it over rice with cheese and sour cream and fresh onion. MMMMMMM perfect!