Italian Hot Dog

CLICK IMAGE BELOW TO TAKE ONLINE CLASS

An Italian Hot Dog is a creation of my home state New Jersey! And in the same way that we like to argue over whether it's sauce or gravy, there's some debate about EXACTLY how an Italian Hot Dog should be served. For me, the thing that stood out the most was the potatoes (or fries, see?). I always remember my Gram asking Mom to stop at the Wonder Weiner (it's literally a cart in a vacant lot on the side of Rt. 9 SB in Bayville NJ...) to pick one up. They were her favorite, even though she definitely was NOT supposed to be eating them! We indulged her on occasion. 

Like so many things, making your own at home is just easier. Plus you have better control over the ingredients (hello nitrate, nitrite free dogs!). For me, I love to let those delicious Jersey fresh veggies stand out so I don't top it with much else, but as always, you fix your dog any way you like! Start with my version and build from there!  

Italian Hot Dog
Serves 4

1 tbs. olive oil + 2 tbs. olive oil
1/2 large yellow onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1 large, russet potato, cubed
4 nitrate, nitrite free hot dogs
4 Italian rolls OR pizza bread
salt & pepper

Preheat the oven to 400°. Toss the potatoes with 2 tbs. of olive oil, salt & pepper. Roast for 1 hour, flipping half way through. Remove from the oven and set aside.

In a small saute' pan, heat 1 tbs. of olive oil. Add in sliced onion and allow to cook for 5 minutes until soft and beginning to brown in spots. Add the pepper slices and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.

At the same time, heat up a grill or grill pan on high heat. Heat hot dogs to desired temperature. (remember, hot dogs are already cooked when you purchase them so they just need to be heated through.) ALT: You can boil your hot dogs if you prefer. Place them in boiling water for about 5 minutes.

To assemble the hot dogs, place 1 dog in each roll. Top with onions, peppers and potatoes. Serve with other condiments if desired. 

Buon Appetito!