A&W Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce is a beloved recipe that brings the flavors of classic American hot dog stands right into your kitchen. This savory sauce is perfect for topping hot dogs, burgers, or even enjoying over fries for a hearty snack. Let’s dive into the details of this recipe, from its ingredients to the cooking process and nutritional information.
Ingredients
To recreate this A&W Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 5 pounds of ground hamburger
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 64 ounces (2 large cans) of tomato paste
- 64 ounces (2 large cans) of tomato puree
- 1 1/2 cups of sugar
- 1/3 cup of cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of chili powder
- 1 tablespoon of ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon of celery seed
- 3 teaspoons of salt
Cooking Instructions
This recipe requires a bit of time to simmer and develop its rich flavors, but the results are well worth the wait. Here’s how you can prepare it:
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Brown the Meat and Onions: Start by browning the ground hamburger and chopped onions in a very large skillet. Make sure to drain off any excess fat once they are fully cooked.
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Add Remaining Ingredients: Once the meat and onions are browned and drained, add in the tomato paste, tomato puree, sugar, cider vinegar, chili powder, ground pepper, celery seed, and salt. Stir everything together until well combined.
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Simmer the Sauce: You have two options for cooking:
- Stovetop Method: Simmer the sauce on low heat for about 3 and a half hours, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
- Crockpot Method: Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture to a crockpot and cook on low for the same amount of time (3.5 hours). This method is convenient if you prefer to set it and forget it.
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Stir Frequently: Whether cooking on the stovetop or in a crockpot, make sure to stir the sauce frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
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Check Consistency: The sauce should thicken as it cooks. Adjust the cooking time slightly if you prefer a thicker or thinner consistency.
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Cool and Store: Once cooked, let the sauce cool down. It freezes very well, making it convenient to store in smaller portions for future use.
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Serve: Before serving, consider adding a traditional touch by rehydrating dry minced onions in boiling water and serving them alongside the sauce for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their dietary intake, here’s the approximate nutritional information per serving (assuming the recipe yields 100 servings):
- Calories: 80.3
- Total Fat: 2.8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15.2mg
- Sodium: 416.7mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 8.8g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.4g
- Sugar: 6.5g
- Protein: 5.9g
Recipe Notes
This A&W Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few tips and variations you might consider:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and pepper to control the spiciness of the sauce.
- Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the amount of sugar slightly.
- Consistency: For a thicker sauce, simmer it for a longer period or adjust the ratio of tomato paste to tomato puree.
- Storage: Store the sauce in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for several months.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this A&W Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce traditionally over hot dogs in buns, sprinkled with the rehydrated minced onions, or get creative by using it as a topping for burgers, fries, or even as a dip for appetizers like mozzarella sticks or chicken tenders. Its rich, savory flavor is sure to elevate any dish it accompanies.
Conclusion
Now that you have all the details to recreate this iconic A&W Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce at home, gather your ingredients and enjoy the process of cooking up a batch of this flavorful sauce. Whether for a summer barbecue, a casual weeknight meal, or a potluck gathering, this recipe promises to delight with its hearty, comforting flavors that evoke memories of classic American diner fare.
