Recipe: DIY Hot Dog Condiments: Sauerkraut and Onions

The students in the class were learning the ins and outs of making sausages and Chef Chris taught the class the art of sausage making and all the necessary steps of the complex process. For example, it is important to pay close attention to the temperature of the meat and to keep all of your grinding equipment in the freezer, where it’s covered, clean and cold. While the process isn't simple, the results are definitely delicious. Maybe next year we'll try to make our own sausages for grilling on July 4. For now, we have Chef Mike’s recipes for the perfect sauerkraut and onions for hot dogs to complete the set of condiment and topping recipes.

Sauerkraut

Ingredients

• 2 pounds sauerkraut
• 1 bay leaf
• 5 juniper berries
• 5 whole black peppercorns
• 1 spring of thyme
• 2 sprigs of parsley
• 1 fluid ounce canola oil
• 1 small (3 ounces) Spanish onion, minced
• 4 fluid ounces white wine
• 16 fluid ounces chicken stock
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Makes 8 servings

1.  Rinse the sauerkraut in cold water. Place the sauerkraut in a large stainless steel bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for 20 minutes. Drain the sauerkraut thoroughly, pulling it apart with your fingers so that it doesn't stick together. Press with a paper towel to dry well.
2. Place the bay leaf, juniper berries, peppercorns, thyme, and parsley in cheesecloth and tie into a sachet. Heat a large saucepot and add the canola oil. Add the onions and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring often. Add the sauerkraut, white wine, chicken stock and the sachet to the pan. Bring the sauerkraut to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook over low heat for 25-30 minutes. Taste and season with salt. Serve with hot dogs.

Hot Dog Onions

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 3 (2 pounds) Spanish onions, thinly sliced
• 24 fluid ounces tomato purée
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
• Pinch of ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground cloves
• Pinch of ground ginger
• Pinch of ground cumin

Instructions

Makes 1 quart

Heat a large sauté pan and add the canola oil. Add the onions and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, to ensure the onions soften but do not brown. Add all of the remaining ingredients; bring to a boil and reduce to a low simmer. Cook for 40-45 minutes, stirring frequently during the cooking process to prevent sticking and burning. If the onion mixture becomes too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of water to thin the sauce. Serve with hot dogs.