There is a lot of talk of diner or greasy spoon fare on CSI, including the classic "I work weird hours nighttime breakfast." Pancakes are mentioned a lot, coffee is swilled by the pot full, and hot dogs come up a great deal. Dr. Ray is seen eating a street vendor dog in S9, Doc Robbins mentions chili dogs, a later coroner and heart disease, and, apparently, hot dogs figured in an off set disagreement between George Eads and the Jorja Fox, who is a vegetarian early in the series (but they do love each other anyway). Not to mention the earlier episode that featured competitive eating. You can find all types of dogs in Las Vegas from other cities in the US--the Chicago Dog is popular there. But the classic dog with onion sauce seems to be a local favorite, and it supposed to be some of the best in the country. Though the original recipe is from New York, Vegas does it bigger and better and it is found on almost all hot dog menus there. The sauce is a red onion sauce and can be bought jarred, Sabrett is a well known brand; but like most things, it's better if it is homemade....and it's easy.
Dog With Onion Sauce
2 large onions, sliced
2 tbsp. oil to saute
1/2 cup good tomato ketchup
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. good chili powder
Pinch of garlic powder and cinnamon
Dash hot sauce, or to taste.
Salt (as needed and strictly optional)
1/2 cup water
Good all beef dog (or, yes, a vegetarian dog)
Warmed or toasted buns
Mayo (strictly optional)
1. Over medium heat, saute the onions until just translucent. Add in the spices (hold the salt for now), and fry for a minutes. Then add the ketchup and water, let simmer for 30 minutes, until the onions turn red. If you mixture gets dry or wants to stick, add more water--this is supposed to be relish like. Taste for salt, add as needed
2. Cook the dog in water (or you may fry or grill), drain. Add mayo to bun, if using. Add the dog and top with onion sauce. You can add a spicy brown mustard under the onions if you like.
Alternative Version
This is from the ingredients on the Sabrett "Onions In Sauce: jar, it's a real sweetened tomato affair.
2 onions, large dice
Olive oil
Tomato Paste
Corn syrup
Water
Salt
Vinegar
Crushed Pepper Flakes
Water
Thicken with a cornstarch slurry.
Or just buy some in the jar. Serve with Sabrett dogs.
Variations:
Obviously there are variations on this. First try using a different kind of onion from the regular yellow one.
Seasonings vary--don't like cinnamon, don't use it. Allspice is good in this. Celery seeds add a savory touch. Herbs do as well.
Spice it up good! Add as much of the spicy stuff like chili powder, hot sauce or chili flakes as you like.
Instead of ketchup or tomato paste, try using Chili Sauce (the kind that is the base for cocktail sauces).
Add a lot of fresh garlic.
Check out VegasDiner.com
TYPICAL DINER FARE:
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