Copycat Skyline Black Beans and Rice

Copycat Skyline Chili Black Beans & Rice over Pasta

Skyline Chili is a Cincinnati tradition. Cincinnatians grow up eating the famous "3-Way" - a plate of Angel Hair Spaghetti, topped with Cincinnati-Style Chili and Finely Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese. Optional toppings, such as Beans, Oyster Crackers or Minced Raw Onion are also on offer. It's such a wildly popular Cincinnati establishment that Skyline Chili is also available in grocery stores so that you can make it at home, or even transport it to another state or country to enjoy it while in Cincinnati exile.

I'm delighted to say that Skyline also has a Vegan Option on the menu - their Black Beans and Rice. My little girl just loves it. But, unlike other Skyline entrees, the Black Beans and Rice dish is not available at the grocery store.

So, I created my own Copycat Skyline Black Beans and Rice for those nights when we have Skyline-at-home. My daughter says I got the taste just right : )

This Bean dish is supposed to be pretty "saucy" to make a better topping for the pasta. You will want to add water as needed to make a pourable, but not totally soupy consistency.  The starches in this dish are pretty "thirsty" so it may require more water than you would anticipate.

Copycat Skyline Black Beans and Rice
Simmer in Saucepan for about 15 minutes, to blend flavors
2 (15oz) Cans Black Beans with their liquid
1 Cup Cooked Rice (leftover Brown or Long Grain White work well)
1 large Cube Vegetable Bouillon (I use Knorr or Maggi)
1/8 teaspoon Paprika
1/4 teaspoon Cocoa Powder
1 teaspoon Fresh Garlic
Mild Green Chilies from a can, to taste (I use 2 teaspoons because of my daughter's tender palate. About 1 1/2 T of Green Chilies should taste more authentic)
Gradually add water as needed while simmering to keep saucy consistency. I use about a cup total.
Add & cook 2-3 minutes more, to mellow vinegar flavor
3 Tablespoons White Vinegar
When cooking is finished, Blend with an Immersion Blender until about 1/2 the mixture is blended, while 1/2 remains whole

Serve Over Angel Hair Pasta. If you like, a Vegan Mild Cheddar Style Shredded Cheese may be added to keep the traditional presentation. I prefer mine topped with Salad Veggies such as Shredded Lettuce, Avocado & Tomato.

Tip for Dining with Omnivores: You can serve traditional Skyline Chili to the Omnivore at the table. It can be purchased at many grocery stores, or online. For Ovo-Lacto Vegetarians and Omnivores alike, Shredded Mild Cheddar can be added.

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