I am hoping by now you have read some of my blog post stories; so far, you have gathered I am from the South. Way further down south of the border. And now, living in South Carolina has taught me more things the more I explore.
We live about 30 minutes from Clemson, SC. On every corner, you can find a local hot dog restaurant, usually with the same charm, fantastic smell, and quaint look, followed by the magic of the southern people, huge smiles, and a welcoming environment. There\’s no doubt I love this area.
Here, they serve your classic hot dog with a twist. The locals call it \”all the way\”: chili with no beans, mustard, and tiny chopped onions in an all-beef hot dog with steamed buns wrapped in foil. This little treasure can magically melt into your mouth, filling your soul with joy. Okay, okay… I could be biased; however, if you can and can come to the area, you must enjoy one of these hot dogs. But if you CAN\’T, Joe\’s mom shared her recipe.
This one is for you, Nanny Karen; thank you for being patient with me and answering all my many questions about how you all (y\’all is not a word. I love you, Nanny 😬) do this. Hopefully, soon, she can also share her pound cake recipe.
Southern Style Chili (for hot dogs)
Ingredients
- 1lb ground beef (80/20 is a must in order to make the crumbs very small)
- 1/2 onion chopped into very small pieces, think rice size.
- 1 tbs hot sauce (I used Texas Pete)
- 1/8 cup ketchup
- 2 tbs Worcestershire sauce
- 3 to 4 cups of water
- 1 tbs onion powder
- 1 tbs paprika
- 1 tbs sugar
- 1 tbs salt, or more to taste
- 1/4 cup lager beer (I used Modelo, that\’s what we had on hand)
Instructions
On a pot, at medium heat, begin to cook ground beef ensuring you are \”chopping\” meat with a spatula. Add 1/2 cup of water, add more water as needed during the cooking process, you do not want the beef to get too dry.
Continue cooking and chopping ground beef, this is the key for the small minced looking beef.
Once ground beef fully browned, add chopped onions and 1/2 cup water.
Let meat begin to simmer, add hot sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, onion powder, sugar and salt. Add 1/2 cup of water, allow to simmer for 5-10 minutes, while continually stirring.
Add beer, and 1/2 cup of water, continue to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Joe\’s favorite part, tasting time! Add extra salt or sugar as needed.
Served over hotdog with warm steamed bun.
Enjoy!
