Chicago hot dog

Chicago hot dog

Chicago Hot Dog

The Chicago Hot Dog or Chicago-style hot dog is a unique style of hot dog that originated in Chicago, Illinois. It is a steamed or water-simmered all-beef frankfurter on a poppy seed bun, topped with a variety of condiments, often including yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices or wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt.

History

The origins of the Chicago Hot Dog trace back to the Great Depression, when vendors needed a cheap, filling meal. The all-beef frankfurter and array of toppings provided a "meal on a bun."

Ingredients

The Chicago Hot Dog is distinctive for its wide array of toppings, which include:

• Hot dog: The hot dog is traditionally all-beef, often from the Vienna Beef company, a Chicago institution. The hot dog is steamed or water-simmered.

• Bun: The bun is a poppy seed variety, typically steamed.

• Mustard: Yellow mustard is a common topping.

• Onions: Chopped white onions are often included.

• Relish: A bright green sweet pickle relish is a distinctive component of the Chicago Hot Dog.

• Pickle: A dill pickle spear is typically included.

• Tomatoes: Tomato slices or wedges are a common topping.

• Sport peppers: Pickled sport peppers add a bit of heat.

• Celery salt: A dash of celery salt is often the final topping.

Variations

While the traditional Chicago Hot Dog has a set list of toppings, variations do exist. Some vendors may offer additional toppings or substitutions, though purists argue that this deviates from the true Chicago-style hot dog.

See also

• Hot dog variations
• Cuisine of Chicago
• Street food