Homemade Hot Dogs
When I posted a few days ago the hot dog buns recipe, my husband asked me when I was going to post the actual recipe for a hot dog. I was a bit surprised and I told him I wasn't going to because, come on, who doesn't know how to make a hot dog? So we had a talk and he convinced me it was a good idea to come up with some examples and tips for a nice, eye-catching hot dog, just like the ones we've been enjoying over the last weeks.
I can tell you these hot dogs are the unexpected superstars on the table, the children are absolutely delighted when I cook them, but not only the children :)
The homemade hot dog can be adapted to each taste, the kids didn't want onions, but we did, caramelized or slightly marinated in apple cider vinegar. I strongly recommend using greens because they will add a fresh touch and more colour. You can, of course, have the hot dogs with any kind of (homemade) sausages and whatever topping you wish.
First of all, prepare the buns following my wonderful hot dog buns recipe.
It takes me about 2 hours to bake them and I let them cool for at least 30 minutes before I assemble the hot dogs.
Then I caramelize the onions - you can use red or white, they are both delicious.
In a skillet, melt 30-50g butter, put the onions thinly sliced and 2 tbsp sugar over medium heat at first.
When it starts to turn brown, I turn the heat to low and I cook it until it becomes very small, as you can see in the picture, about 15-20 more minutes.
There is the other option, more fresh, to marinate the onions - cut thin rings, sprinkle some salt, sugar, vinegar/lemon juice and, maybe, oregano.
Massage well with your hands and let 5-10 minutes, it's very good and quick.
Prepare the rest of the ingredients, cut long slices of pickled cucumber and maybe some bell pepper as well, fresh or pickled.
I also had here some homemade mayonnaise and you can choose the mustard - hot or sweet, for the kids.
Fry the sausages a bit in a skillet with very little oil, you can as well heat them on a grill pan or on the barbecue outside.
Now let's assemble the hot dogs:
- cut the bun on the long side and spread one of the halves with your favourite mustard and mayonnaise, if you want;
- place the pickled cucumber and pepper slices inside;
- for us, I added caramelized onions, the children didn't want any;
- finally, add the sausage and the ketchup.
I forgot to take a picture of the greens, they go before the sausage.
I made customised hot dogs for each family member and I placed them nicely on a wooden cutting board.
Everything was a great success - the service and the hot dogs. Now I have to explain the kids why we can't have hot dogs every day :))
Enjoy!
