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Personalize your barbecue dinners with these four ways to reinvent the hot dog. Used since the late 19th century, the word hot dog refers to "a hot sandwich made with a bun cut open lengthwise and containing a sausage and condiments."1 (Office national de la langue française). That leaves room for interpretation! So, why stick to the traditional recipe when you can get creative and wow the crowd? It's as easy as pie! Select one or more of the following elements for a hot dog that's as original as it is delicious.
1. The sausage
In addition to the traditional hot dogs that are always popular, surprise your guests by choosing our famous hot or mild Italian sausages. This spicy flavor will delight your guests and pairs wonderfully with strong mustard and cabbage. You could also opt for the delicious merguez sausage and serve it Moroccan style with large pieces of onion. Why not stuff your sausages? Simply make an incision, without opening completely, to insert grated cheese. Compliments guaranteed!
Tip: To prevent the membrane of your sausages from tearing, simply opt for medium heat. Refrain from pricking your sausages, otherwise the juices will run out and you will lose a lot of flavor. Some prefer to boil their sausages for 5 minutes before cooking on the BBQ so that they are less fatty, it's according to taste.
2. Bread
Hot dogs are prepared in many different ways around the world. The most varied element is the choice of bun... or lack thereof, depending on your point of view. Why not take inspiration from this?
France: Baguette bread is cut open lengthwise.
Norway: The sausage is wrapped in a tortilla.
Thailand: No bread! The sausages are simply stuck on a stick.
Russia: The sausage is covered with dough and then baked in the oven.
Czech Republic: A hole is made inside a baguette with the end cut off. The sausage is then slipped inside.
Idaho (US state): bread is replaced by... a baked potato!
3. Condiments and garnish
Stay away from the predictable relish, ketchup, and mustard! Instead, have fun mixing up your condiments, offering simple options like tzatziki sauce, onion confit, salsa, or sriracha. Feel free to concoct your own blends. Mayonnaise is a perfect base; just season it with whatever you have on hand: curry powder, garlic, honey, or maple syrup. Simple and delicious!
The choice of toppings depends entirely on your tastes: avocados, cabbage, cheese, chili, fresh herbs... some people even crumble potato chips on top of the sausage!
4. Dessert version
To keep the kids entertained, use a brioche bun and replace the sausage with a banana. For condiments, serve chocolate syrup, strawberries, and whipped cream. This version isn't suitable for the barbecue... but it's sure to get people talking!
The combinations are only limited by your imagination. By reinventing the hot dog, you have the perfect excuse to eat them more often. When cooked at home, with fresh ingredients and quality meats, there's no reason to go without.
Alimentation l'Épicier offers a wide variety of premium meats and non-perishable grocery products from the most popular brands. Our delivery service is available throughout Quebec. Our trucks are refrigerated to keep your food fresh. It's a real alternative to the supermarket!
References :
1 “Hot dog” (Quebec Official of the French Language)
"16 Hot Dogs Around the World" (Tuxboard)
www.tuxboard.com/hot-dogs-monde/#
Jess Kapadia, “40 ways the world makes awesome hot dogs” (Food Republic)
www.foodrepublic.com/2015/05/19/40-ways-the-world-makes-awesome-hot-dogs/
Jess Kapadia, “7 awesome ways to trick out your hot dog” (Food Republic)
www.foodrepublic.com/2011/05/28/7-awesome-ways-to-trick-out-your-hot-dog/
Étienne Richard, “Pimp your hot dog” (The Frizzy Factory)
Jean-Marie Villeneuve, “The hot dog reinvented” (Le Soleil)
“Recipes: The Hot Dog Reinvented” (Divine.ca)
