Chili Dogs (WLS Style)

I know, I know what you’re thinking. “Chili dogs, Nik??? Frickin’ chili dogs???”

No, I promise I am NOT playing with your emotions. There IS a way for you, too, to enjoy chili dogs. (But not the way I have shown above…sorry…)

My thoughts on hot dog chili are simple. It’s not a horribly objectionable thing to eat hot dog chili from a can, if that’s what you like. There are some good varieties out there. I came up with this one on a day when I THOUGHT I had some in the cupboard and found that I did not (don’t you hate it when that happens?). Now, I make it because I like it better than any canned I’ve tried. And it takes like 15 minutes to make. Here’s how I do it.

Nik’s WLS-friendly Hot Dog Chili

Ingredients

1 lb. lean ground meat (I used turkey, you use whatever your heart desires)
2 lean turkey Italian sausage links, casings removed (Hot or Sweet. Doesn’t matter but I really must insist on the turkey to cut down on saturated fat which is, and always will be, be bad for your heart)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 c. water
2 tbsp chili powder
1 can of tomatoes (I used tomatoes & chiles)
Salt and Pepper, to taste

Directions

Brown up your turkey and sausage in a pan, breaking it into very fine bits (no big chunks).

Once cooked, drain of any excess fat (there won’t be much) and drop in tomato paste. Mix thoroughly before adding water, then chili powder.

Drain tomatoes and chiles (or tomatoes if you’re just using them) and add to your pan. Bring the whole thing to a boil (this will happen quickly as you don’t have much water in your pan) then reduce to a simmer and simmer about 5 minutes.

Turn off heat. If there is excess liquid, it will thicken upon standing.

Now the above dog belonged to one of the divas. It is sandwiched in a 100% whole wheat hot dog bun and sprinkled with some cheese. I served it alongside a garden salad with some light ranch dressing and they were happy.

But me and buns? A different story. But check me out:

YES! I made a chili dog ramekin!!!

Basically I cut my hot dog into pieces (for newbies you might use half a dog and dice it instead of slicing it), put those pieces into my ramekin, covered it with chili, covered that with some cheese and let it melt then covered the whole thing in diced onions. NOM!

So like I said…you too can have a chili dog at the Memorial Day barbecue.

Tomorrow we discuss what dogs are worthy of your premium pouch space. No…seriously we will. I know I’ve been flaky about posting lately but I already scheduled the dang post. It’s coming!

Chili Dogs (WLS Style)

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