Ketchup? On a Chicago Hot Dog? Are You Kidding Me?
Let's talk about something that sends shivers down the spine of any true Chicagoan: ketchup on a hot dog. It's like putting pineapple on pizza or wearing white after Labor Day – a cardinal sin.
The Ketchup Conundrum
Now, you might be wondering, “Why all the fuss about a little ketchup?” Well, my friend, it's not just a little ketchup. It’s a matter of culinary pride, tradition, and a whole lot of flavor. The Chicago-style hot dog is a masterpiece of culinary engineering, a symphony of tastes that come together in perfect harmony. And ketchup? It's the uninvited guest who crashes the party and ruins everything.
Imagine a hot dog as a beautiful painting. The vibrant colors of the mustard, the subtle green of the relish, the crunch of the onions, the tang of the tomato, and the salty pop of the pickle are all carefully placed strokes. Ketchup is like a big, red blob of paint that covers everything up, obscuring the beauty of the original work.
The Flavor Profile
A Chicago hot dog is a delicate balance of flavors. The sweet and tangy relish, the sharp mustard, the juicy tomato, the salty pickle, and the slightly smoky sausage all work together to create a taste explosion. Ketchup, with its overpowering sweetness, simply doesn't belong in this equation. It's like trying to improve a perfectly good glass of wine by adding a spoonful of sugar.
The Cultural Significance
The aversion to ketchup on hot dogs in Chicago runs deep. It’s a rite of passage for any Chicagoan to learn the proper toppings and to vehemently defend the sanctity of the classic hot dog. Putting ketchup on one is like wearing a Cubs jersey to a White Sox game. It’s just not done.
So, next time you're in Chicago, remember: ketchup is a no-no. Embrace the classic toppings and experience the true glory of the Chicago-style hot dog. Your taste buds will thank you.
How to...
- How to order a Chicago-style hot dog: Ask for a hot dog with all the fixings. This typically includes mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, sport peppers, and celery salt.
- How to avoid ketchup judgment: If you must have ketchup, keep it to yourself. Chicagoans are passionate about their hot dogs.
- How to appreciate the complexity of flavors: Take a bite of a classic Chicago-style hot dog and savor the different tastes.
- How to respect local customs: When in Rome, as they say, do as the Romans do.
- How to enjoy a hot dog: With mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, sport peppers, and celery salt – no ketchup!