Hot Dogs With Okra Giardiniera Food

ITALIAN STYLE HOT DOGS

Steps:

• In a saucepan over medium-high heat, heat enough oil to cover the potatoes to frying temperature (325 to 350 degrees F), and add the potato rounds. Turn them over when they begin to stick to the pan, and fry until the potatoes are browned and crispy on the outside. (The potatoes can also be cooked in a deep fryer for 3 to 5 minutes.) Set the potatoes aside, and turn the heat down to medium.
• Add the hot dogs, onions and peppers to the remaining oil in the saucepan. Let them cook together and exchange flavors until the hot dogs are done and the onions and peppers are beginning to brown.
• To build The Single: Cut the bread into quarters. Starting at the point of one wedge, slice open through the soft middle of the bread, not across the crust and not completely in half. You should be able to peel open the bread just enough to make a pocket for the dog. Mustard can be added to the inside of the bun. Place one dog on the bottom, then pile with the onions, peppers and about half a potato worth of rounds. If the toppings are overflowing the bun, you're doing it just right. Ketchup and sprinkled red pepper flakes can be added on top. Have a fork handy!
• To build The Double: Cut the bread in half. Slice open a pocket in the middle of the half-moon. Put 2 hot dogs on the bottom and double everything, especially the potato rounds - about 1 potato's worth can fit on top!
• This recipe was provided by a professional chef or restaurant and may have been scaled down from a bulk recipe. The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe, in the proportions indicated, and therefore, we cannot make any representation as to the results.

HOMEMADE HOT GIARDINIERA

Steps:

• Combine 2 cups water and the salt in a glass or non-reactive bowl. Mix until the salt is dissolved. Add the carrots, cauliflower, serranos, garlic, celery and bell pepper to the salt water and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
• Day 2, drain and rinse the vegetables. In a clean bowl, mix together the oil with the oregano and pepper. Add the vegetables and mix to combine. Allow to marinate overnight. Giardiniera will only get better with time. After 2 days at the most in the bowl, you can place in air-tight mason jars and keep in the fridge for at least 2 to 3 weeks.

CHICAGO-STYLE HOT DOG GRILLED CHEESE

Steps:

• To make the giardiniera, combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring to dissolve the salt. Transfer to a heatproof bowl, let cool, and then let marinate in the liquid until serving. (The giardiniera will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.)
• To make the relish, combine all of the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped and incorporated.
• To cook the hot dogs, in a saucepan, combine the beer and hot dogs and bring to a boil over high heat. Remove from the heat and let the hot dogs cool in the beer. On a charcoal or gas grill or a stove-top grill pan, sear the hot dogs over high heat, turning as needed, until lightly charred.
• Line up half of the bread slices on a work surface. Top each slice with 1/8 of the cheese, 3 tablespoons pickle relish, 1/2 hot dog (2 pieces), 1/4 cup drained giardiniera, 2 tomato slices, and another 1/8 of the cheese. Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices.
• Line a large platter with paper towels. In a skillet over high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Turn down the heat to low, add 1 sandwich, and cook, turning once, for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until browned and crisp on both sides and the cheese is melted. Transfer to the prepared platter to blot the excess grease. Repeat with the remaining butter and sandwiches.
• Cut the sandwiches in half, plate, and serve.

HOT DOGS WITH OKRA GIARDINIERA

Steps:

• Combine the carrots, okra, salt, jalapenos, garlic, celery and red bell peppers in a bowl. Add just enough water to submerge the vegetables. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
• Drain and rinse the vegetables. In a clean bowl, mix the oil, vinegar, oregano and pepper. Add the vegetables and mix well. Marinate the mixture overnight in the refrigerator.
• Preheat the grill to medium-low heat. Grill the hot dogs until charred, about 10 minutes.
• Serve the hot dogs in the buns. Spoon some okra mixture over the hot dogs. Place leftover giardiniera in Mason jars and store in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks.

GIARDINIERA

Steps:

• Bring the vinegar, sugar, 1 tablespoon salt, the bay leaves, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes and 1 cup water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the cauliflower, fennel, red onion, carrots and garlic. Reduce the heat and simmer until the vegetables are crisp-tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Let the vegetables cool in the brine, then refrigerate until chilled. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.