Vegan Hot Dogs, A Carrot-Dog

The way you eat a hot dog says a lot about you.  Are you appreciative of the simple things in life and chows down on your weenie condiment free?  Are you the typical ketchup squirter?  Maybe you consider yourself more of a blunt and opinionated lover of sauerkraut why may also suffer from RBF?  Or are you level headed and properly balanced with sweet relish and tangy mustard?  Well, if you’re vegan and don’t like highly processed food, you probably don’t know your hot dog horoscope.  I’m sure you’ve denounced your days of weenie worship, and if FullSizeRender (8)you’ve tried any of the veggie dogs out today, you’ve probably also had an identity crisis.

You give up a lot when you decide to eat, or live vegan.  Everything from leather shoes, to baby back ribs, ice cream and yes, hot dogs.  An American barbecue staple.  Luckily, thanks to experimentation and social media, the carrot dog is  helping vegans all over the globe who are in search of their new and true, hot dog identity.  These carrot dogs are genius and simple to make, they just need a little patience for the marinating process.


The Process:

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1. Peel and shape your carrots into a shape of a hot dog

 

2. Boil your carrots for a few minutes, maybe 8 or so.

3. Soak your carrots in your hot dog marinade (smoked paprika, tamari, water, apple cider vinegar, onion powder and/or garlic and other seasonings) for about 12-24 hrs (the longer the better) in the fridge.

4. Saute them in a pan, snuggle them in their bun and dress them however you see fit.


My boys ate a few bites of their dogs, which is a victory in my book.  If they hated them, they would have turned their nose up after the first bite.  Kids know who they are and what they like at a very young age.  I will say that the taste is definitely reminiscent to that of a traditional hot dog (filled with mystery meat that may or may not be kosher).  The texture, however, is NOT that of the usually weenie wonder.  It doesn’t have that same plump, succulent texture, or juicy burst of smokey, acidic flavors when you sink your teeth into it.  It definitely doesn’t have that, but it does posses flavor, fiber, and more nutrition than that of a hot dog.  Let’s also keep in mind that carrots are not considered carcinogens.   carrotdog

This is a great option for both, vegans and meat eaters.  I mean, it’s a carrot!  A carrot is much healthier than any type of  hot dog.  The processed, vegan-friendly ones can be full of just as much mystery as the animal versions.  The only difference between them is that one is made of animals and increases your cancer risks.  This would be a fun culinary project for children, to show them how to transform plants into literally anything.  It’s important that children learn early on that fruits and vegetables have the ability to transform into things that are fun and cool, like hot dogs, burgers and green smoothies.  Even if they only eat half of it.

 

About Jeanette 137 Articles
This is me being me so that you will be you. I'm a woman who smiles till my cheeks ache, crochets until my fingers twitch, hugs the hell out of my Hubby and children and in between these things I make the time to read, cook, write and attempt to inspire others to do something to improve their overall health.