Hot Dog Chili Recipe
Hot dog chili originated in the United States, inspired by traditional chili con carne recipes. The concept of adding chili to hot dogs became popular in the early 20th century, with restaurants and diners creating their signature versions.
Equipment
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chopping board and knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balancing acidity)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, if using lean ground beef)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:Begin by finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Measure out all your spices and sauces to keep the cooking process smooth.
- Cook the Ground Beef:Heat a skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. If you’re using lean beef, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic:Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onions and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Incorporate Spices:Stir in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors of the spices.
- Add Tomato Base:Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Mix everything well and bring to a simmer.
- Adjust Flavors:Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed. If the sauce is too tangy, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance it out.
- Simmer:Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Serve:Once the chili has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Spoon the chili over freshly grilled or steamed hot dogs, and garnish with shredded cheese, diced onions, or jalapeños if desired.