I have to admit, in my house, when it comes to “burgers or dogs?”, we usually opt for burgers. That said, a good hot dog can really hit the spot. And for me, a good hot dog is all about the toppings.
This last weekend I proved my point when we enjoyed the Chicago-Style Hot Dogs I created for my book Eat What You Love Everyday. These fun-filled Chicago dogs have all of the classic toppers—tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and sweet relish—only in the form of a delicious,chopped-style topping! And with 60% fewer calories, 70% less sodium, and 90% less fat, they are a hot dog you can enjoy whenever the mood strikes. Not a frankfurter fan? Spoon the topping over grilled talapia or chicken breasts, it’s delish!!
To minimize the customary sky-high sodium content I include dill weed in the topping mix. Its pickle-like flavor provides the perfect antidote for the sodium-loaded spear customarily served on the bun. (If you’re less concerned with sodium, and a major pickle fan, I won’t tell if you add it as well :).
Ingredients
Relish
2/3 cup chopped, seeded tomatoes
1/3 cup peeled, seeded,and chopped cucumber
3 tablespoons diced red onion
2 tablespoons pepperoncini peppers, drained and chopped
1 teaspoon pepperoncini juice
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed
Dogs
4 lean hot dogs (like Hebrew National 97% Fat Free Beef Franks)
4 hot dog buns
4 teaspoons prepared mustard
Instructions
1. To prepare relish, in a medium bowl, combine the first 7 ingredients (tomato through dill weed). Set aside.
2. Cook the hot dogs according to package directions (or in your own favorite style).
3. Warm the buns and spread each with 1 teaspoon of the mustard. Add a hot dog and top with 1/3 cup relish.
DARE TO COMPARE: A typical Chicago-style fast-food hot dog clocks in with 430 calories, 20 grams of fat, 14 grams of protein, and 2,500 milligrams of sodium.
NUTRITION INFORMATION PER SERVING: (1 topped dog) Calories 165 | Carbohydrate 28g(Sugars 4g) | Total Fat 2.5g (Sat Fat 0.5g) | Protein 12g | Fiber 4g | Cholesterol 15mg | Sodium 840mg
Food Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch, 1 1/2 Lean Meat, 1 Vegetable | Carbohydrate Choices: 2 | Weight Watcher Plus Points: 4 Smart Points: 4
