Homemade Chicago Dogs

 

Hot dogs come in many shapes and sizes. While there's no wrong way to eat a dog, there are certainly ways that are far superior to some.

Today, I want to talk about the king of dogs. The Chicago Dog. While you can throw any number of condiments on any brand of hot dog, and call it a day, this meaty delight has specific guidelines that have to be followed, and a whole list of condiments to accommodate it.

When it comes to a Chicago style hot dog, natural casing is a must have. This is what gives it that "snap" when you bite into it. Boars Head has come in at number one for many dog enthusiasts, but they're far from the only options out there. Especially if you're looking for the "authentic" approach.

As for my opinion, Vienna Beef makes the best dogs for this. Being based out of Chicago, they can proudly and firmly state that they deliver a true Chicago experience. Of course finding these outside of The Windy City isn't always easy. As such, it's great that the company provides a mail away service, delivering products to your door packed in ice.

With that said, unless you're a massive fan of hot dogs, this is not exactly cost efficient. A Chicago Style Hot Dog Kit will currently set you back $54.99! If you're interested in splurging, or simply want to know what all the hype is about, then it's definitely worth checking out, or even sending as a gift. That's how I got mine, as a gift through the mail from my mom for my birthday.

The next critical ingredient in a Chicago Dog is a poppy seed bun. The black bits not only add a nutty flavor to the bread, but are also rooted in the era, where Jewish immigrants were the connoisseurs of bakeries, often using them on their breads. This also contributes to the Jewish heritage, where poppy seeds are a necessity of Purim.

Of course, the bun also has to be fresh. Soft in feel, and light in texture.

Onions and tomatoes are the produce needed, and for these, you're simply going to dice up an onion, slice a tomato, and then cut each piece of the fruit in half.

The onions will add a good crunch, while the tomatoes deliver a soft flesh with a juicy burst. This is also one of only two ways I will ever eat a raw tomato. The second being on club sandwiches. Any other situations, and I will avoid them like the plague.

These, however, are far from the only necessities of ingredients. Celery Salt, Yellow Mustard, Sports Peppers, Dill Pickle Spears, and Neon Relish, also known as Chicago Style Relish, will all make their way onto this gourmet meal. Basically, this thing is packed to overflow with toppings, and each one brings its own layer of goodness.

The yellow mustard adds just a hint of spice, which punches harder with the crunchy blast of heat from the sports pepper. These are evened out with the sweetness of the neon relish, and briny pickle spear. The celery salt adds that savory notch, and quite honestly, you don't know you've been missing the umami spice until you've had it.

Grill your dog, boil it, fry it up. Whatever your preference. Mine hit the grill, and got a nice char on the ends to add that extra bit of crunch and flavor.

Placing two dogs in a set of buns, two slices of tomatoes get wedged in place between the meat and bread. This is then hit with a generous spray of mustard, giving it a nice coating.

On top of this, sprinkle the onions.

Give the top of this a spread out layer of neon relish.

Side note: Neon relish is incredible hard to find outside of Chicago. I have yet to find a store in my area that has it.

Lastly, top each dog with two sports peppers, and a dill pickle spear. Alternatively, the sports peppers can sit at the bottom of the bun, with the dog resting on top.

Generously sprinkle this with celery salt.

Truly beautiful. The royalty of hot dogs.

You know what's up. Get you one, and get to digging in. It's crucial to get everything in one bite so that you can enjoy all the flavors coming together. You'll know what it's all about when you do.

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