As you may have already read, it is Super Bowl week here at Slashfood and Sarah and I are comparing cuisines between the two super cities, Chicago and Indianapolis. I'm going to ask everyone to contain their shock and amazement that I chose Chicago style hot dogs as my initial nod to the food of Chi-town. Though it may appear like I'm taking the easy way out, I was a little afraid of mass protest if I didn't feature these little gems first. Also, Sarah is going to have her work cut out for her as it is, so it's probably better that I start off slow.
A true Chicago style dog contains distinct ingredients and is dressed in a very specific order. Depending on who you ask, the hot dog wieners can be boiled, steamed, or grilled, but one thing seems to be agreed upon almost universally - do not put ketchup on it. Ever.
Ingredients:
100% beef hot dogs
Poppy seed bun
Yellow mustard
Sweet relish (of the neon green variety)
Freshly chopped onions
Dill pickle slice / spear
Tomato slices
Sport peppers
Dash of celery salt
Fluky's, widely acknowledged as the originator of the Chicago style hot dog, began their operation in 1929. According to their website, they originally sold the "Depression Sandwich" for $0.05 (complete with fries!), but would often give free food to kids and adults who couldn't afford their own. Nowadays, thousands upon thousands of hot dog vendors can be found on street corners and in stadiums throughout North America and beyond, feeding those in search of the telltale "snap".
Will this delicious, easy to prepare, all-American dish stay out on top, or will Sarah find a way to trump us? Stay tuned.
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