Chili Hot Dog With French Fries
A great hot dog is even better when topped with homemade chili. Making a spicy and flavorful hot dog chili is easy as long as you follow some basic guidelines. Once you make a tasty chili, you can also pour it on top of your other favorite foods.
Ingredients
A hot dog chili is meant to be poured over a hot dog, so think of it as a condiment. That means a good hot dog chili shouldn't be too chunky, but it also shouldn't be too runny.
Start with a basic ground meat, such as beef or pork. The fat content will add flavor, but you can certainly go healthier by using ground chicken or turkey. If you want to add vegetables, try diced red onion or finely chopped celery.
Next, consider which type of chile peppers you want to include. Canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce will give your chili a smoky taste. Chop some pickled jalepeño or serrano peppers for a clean, tangy spice. A few dried guajillo peppers simmered in the chili will offer a robust flavor. For a powerful burst of spice, stir in a couple of chopped habanero peppers. Mix different kinds of peppers for a more complex taste.
Consider also adding herbs and seasonings. Traditional chili is seasoned with ground cumin for a deep, smoky flavor. Try adding dried oregano or even cinnamon for a surprising flair. However you season, don't forget the basic salt and pepper.
Finally, consider which liquids you'll use. Pour a can of tomato sauce and some tomato paste into the mixture. Depending on the meat you use you can add chicken or beef broth and let the pot simmer.
Cooking
Begin the chili by cooking the meat in some olive oil; gradually add other ingredients, starting with raw components, followed by canned items and then liquids. Add a dash of salt every time you put in a major ingredient. As the chili heats and liquid evaporates, keep stirring in broth. This will keep the chili flavorful. Adding water will only dilute the flavors. Simmer the chili for at least an hour in a large pot.
Try making the chili ahead of time. It will taste better a day or two after cooking because all the flavors will bond over time.
Uses
Hot dog chili isn't just for pouring over hot dogs. Try it as a topper for french fries, quesadillas, baked or mashed potatoes, and even macaroni and cheese or other pastas.
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