Carrot Dogs & Chili Sauce

karenwpullen Main Dishes, Recipes, Sandwiches, Snacks, Dips, and Smoothies , , ,

Hot dogs are a distinctly unhealthy food. Made from slaughter “by-products”, they contain saturated fat and sodium, contributing to higher cholesterol and blood pressure numbers. The main reason to avoid them, though, is the increased cancer risk they pose. Processed meats are classified as a Group 1 carcinogen.

So what’s one to put in a bun that’s equally juicy, salty, and smoky?

Carrots! Shaped like a hot dog, marinated overnight to taste like a hot dog, grilled, and served with all the toppings.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Marinating Time8 hours
Total Time8 hours 20 minutes
Print Recipe

Carrot Dogs

Boiled carrots are marinated then grilled.
Course: Main Course, Snack
Servings: 4 carrot dogs

Ingredients

  • 4 carrots
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup vegetable broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  • Cut the ends from each carrot to make it the same length as a hot dog bun. Round off the ends. Boil the carrots for about 10 minutes until they can be pierced with a fork but are not soft.
  • Combine the other ingredients to make a marinade.
  • After the carrots are cooked, put them in a container and cover with the marinade. Marinate 8 – 24 hours in the refrigerator.
  • Carrots can be grilled or sautéed in a frying pan. Serve in a hot dog bun with your choice of toppings.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Print Recipe

Chili Sauce

Course: Main Course, Sauces and dressings, Snack
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 can lentils, drained or 1 1/2 cups cooked lentils
  • 1 16-oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  • Sauté the onion and garlic until soft. Add a tablespoon or two of water if they start to stick.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
  • Simmer 7 – 10 minutes to combine flavors.

Notes

This chili sauce is great for carrot dogs, other vegan hot dogs,  or chili cheese fries.
It would also be good mixed with cooked macaroni.