Classic Spicy Chili Dog

Ingredients

• 4 hot dog buns 4 hot dog buns
• 4 beef or pork hot dogs 4 beef or pork hot dogs
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (14 ounces/400g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced onions, jalapenos Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced onions, jalapenos

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Simmer the chili sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Meanwhile, grill the hot dogs until they are heated through and have grill marks.
6. 6.
   Place each grilled hot dog in a bun and top generously with the spicy chili sauce.
7. 7.
   Garnish with your choice of toppings, such as shredded cheese, diced onions, or jalapenos.
8. 8.
   Serve immediately and enjoy the fiery delight of the classic spicy chili dog!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
• Chili powder — Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper according to your desired level of spiciness.
• Hot dog buns — Toast the buns on the grill for a few seconds to add a slight crispiness.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika in the chili sauce.
• Experiment with different toppings such as pickled jalapenos, sautéed bell peppers, or crispy bacon.
• If you prefer a milder chili sauce, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it entirely.
• Serve with a side of crispy french fries or coleslaw for a complete meal.
• To make it a party favorite, set up a chili dog bar with various toppings and let guests customize their own creations.

Serving advice

Serve the spicy chili dogs immediately after assembling to ensure the buns stay soft and the chili sauce remains hot. Provide napkins or plates as they can get messy to eat.

Presentation advice

Arrange the chili dogs on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and a drizzle of chili sauce. Serve with a side of pickles or a small bowl of chili for dipping.