*If you just want to cut to the chase and watch my video of a Chili & Kraut Dog, just scroll down to the end of this post to play it.
The good thing about sauerkraut is that it lasts forever when bought in a can or jar. And once opened and stored in the refrigerator, it has a long shelf-life. I've kept sauerkraut for more than 2 months in the fridge! It's hard to tell when it goes bad, as it's so sour.
And to add sour to sour, I like mustard too! With a soft neutral bun and a beefy hot dog, it's a delicious combo of flavors I never get bored with.
Sauerkraut doesn't show up at my local 99c only Store every day, so when it does, I usually get a few cans or jars to keep in the cupboard. I can't tell the difference between sauerkraut that is jarred or canned. I guess the salty brine overpowers any difference between cabbage and sauerkraut recipes.
My girlfriend spent time in Germany, so she likes her sauerkraut heated up - I don't mind it right out of the can and at room temperature. I think we can both agree to drain and shake out the kraut before piling it on the wiener.
And to add sour to sour, I like mustard too! With a soft neutral bun and a beefy hot dog, it's a delicious combo of flavors I never get bored with.
Sauerkraut doesn't show up at my local 99c only Store every day, so when it does, I usually get a few cans or jars to keep in the cupboard. I can't tell the difference between sauerkraut that is jarred or canned. I guess the salty brine overpowers any difference between cabbage and sauerkraut recipes.
My girlfriend spent time in Germany, so she likes her sauerkraut heated up - I don't mind it right out of the can and at room temperature. I think we can both agree to drain and shake out the kraut before piling it on the wiener.
I've made Hot Dogs with all kinds of canned chili, from name-brand Hormel to brands I've never heard of like Hartford House...and they are all just fine by me. In the South, my Mom tops her Chili-Cheese Enchiladas with Wolf Brand Chili.
Canned chilis should mainly be flavored with chili powder. These days, it's usually a mix of meats like pork and chicken, but mainly beef. I've grown used to canned chili and actually like the flavor.
The main problem is the texture that is often crumbly from ground meat, not stringy like a saucy pulled pork, which I prefer - hey, you get what you pay for!
In the last couple of years, I started making my own Homemade Beef Chili, and you can click on the recipe name to see recipe directions and photo illustrations, or just watch my recipe video below.
I use the cheapest cut of beef, called the shank. It's one tough steak, but after 2 or 3 hours of simmering in spices and tomato sauce, it becomes fall-apart tender and extra flavorful. Try slow-cooking with beef shank sometimes, as it's even cheaper than hamburger these days.
Can you top your Hot Dog with a can of Chili with Beans? Sure, I have in desperate times.
The main problem is the texture that is often crumbly from ground meat, not stringy like a saucy pulled pork, which I prefer - hey, you get what you pay for!
In the last couple of years, I started making my own Homemade Beef Chili, and you can click on the recipe name to see recipe directions and photo illustrations, or just watch my recipe video below.
I use the cheapest cut of beef, called the shank. It's one tough steak, but after 2 or 3 hours of simmering in spices and tomato sauce, it becomes fall-apart tender and extra flavorful. Try slow-cooking with beef shank sometimes, as it's even cheaper than hamburger these days.
Can you top your Hot Dog with a can of Chili with Beans? Sure, I have in desperate times.
These days, it is easy to make vegan versions using tofu dogs and vegan chili, so everyone can join in the summertime patio Hot Dog partying.
And the main ingredients of a Hot Dog are cheap, of course, but that's not the only reason to like them. They are just a satisfying combination of flavors that you can build any way you like.
A package of Hot Dog Buns for about a buck? Check. I prefer regular white flour buns, but I often find whole wheat buns on sale too -- it's all good. And any grocery store carries them for barely a buck per 8-count package.
Meaty tube steak for a buck? If you know where to look and don't mind if they are a mix of beef, chicken, and pork. I always find them on sale at my local 99c only Store and Dollar Tree.
There is a texture taste difference - I find the typically mixed meat wieners a bit softer when you bite into them and with a milder meaty taste, while an all-beef wiener has more snap and a thicker texture and an intense beef flavor. Depending on how my pocketbook is feeling, I can work with any type of tube steak.
Do you like your weenies steamed, sauteed, or grilled? I find it easiest to just steam mine in a pot with a basket and covered until they are hot and plump. This way, you can walk away and get all the fixing ready while they cook - when you steam them, you don't have to worry about burnt weenies.
How about the Hot Dog Buns? Well, at the last minute, I will throw in a couple of buns on top of my steaming wieners, cover, and give them a minute to soften. This works especially well if the buns are old and hard.
You do have to watch steaming buns as they can become soggy, although you can always let a soggy bun dry out for a couple of minutes if necessary.
If I am barbequing, then I will grill the wieners and add the buns at the finish line - same with sauteing in a frying pan on a stovetop.
I always find jars and squeeze bottles of mustard for a buck, even Grey Poupon!
So, how do you like to make yours? Leave a comment and let's compare wiener...recipes. Ha, ha, I couldn't resist. And check back for more simply delicious and cheap Hot Dogs. So load up the steamer basket or fire up the grill and get to cooking one of my yummy Hot Dog recipes.
And the main ingredients of a Hot Dog are cheap, of course, but that's not the only reason to like them. They are just a satisfying combination of flavors that you can build any way you like.
There is a texture taste difference - I find the typically mixed meat wieners a bit softer when you bite into them and with a milder meaty taste, while an all-beef wiener has more snap and a thicker texture and an intense beef flavor. Depending on how my pocketbook is feeling, I can work with any type of tube steak.
Do you like your weenies steamed, sauteed, or grilled? I find it easiest to just steam mine in a pot with a basket and covered until they are hot and plump. This way, you can walk away and get all the fixing ready while they cook - when you steam them, you don't have to worry about burnt weenies.
How about the Hot Dog Buns? Well, at the last minute, I will throw in a couple of buns on top of my steaming wieners, cover, and give them a minute to soften. This works especially well if the buns are old and hard.
If I am barbequing, then I will grill the wieners and add the buns at the finish line - same with sauteing in a frying pan on a stovetop.
I always find jars and squeeze bottles of mustard for a buck, even Grey Poupon!
So, how do you like to make yours? Leave a comment and let's compare wiener...recipes. Ha, ha, I couldn't resist. And check back for more simply delicious and cheap Hot Dogs. So load up the steamer basket or fire up the grill and get to cooking one of my yummy Hot Dog recipes.
Chili & Kraut Dog - VIDEO
Play it here. The video runs 2 minutes, 22 seconds.
My YouTube video link for viewing or embedding, just click here.
