There’s still time to sneak in another great summer recipe before fall arrives and it’s time for soup season. We thought nothing says summer cooking and grilling season quite like a tasty chili dog! It’s a meaty and zesty classic at ball games and state fairs, so what better way to fire up the grill one last time for a tasty summer sendoff.
This is a twofold recipe; if you aren’t interested in the chili dog, then you’ve still got a meaty and hearty chili recipe that’s great when the weather gets colder, or Midamar’s Halal beef franks are always great on their own. Either way, you’ve got something delicious to dig into.
Starting with the chili, it’s a pretty standard chili, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t great. Grab a big pot or Dutch oven and start combining yellow onion, garlic, and Halal ground beef. When that’s all cooked up, toss in a can of fire roasted tomatoes and make sure you include the juices; there’s a lot going in here with the beef and the different beans, and a chili this powerful needs that liquid to keep it at least a little soupy.
For a nice punch of tomato flavor, we’ll also add some tomato paste and some crushed tomatoes that will also help keep it just a little loose. This may seem like a lot, but again, this makes plenty of chili, so it needs plenty of flavor to be able to shine through.
When it’s all simmering, give it a season with the classics like garlic and onion powder, and of course chili powder and a little bit of cayenne. But to cut the tanginess with a little bit of sweetness we’ll also add some brown sugar. This doesn’t make the chili sweet, it just helps to cut some of the zest and add a bit of richness.
Be sure to start small and give this a taste as you season it. What works for us may not work for you, and you can always add more but you can’t take away once it’s in!
When the chili’s where you like it, keep it warm while you grill up some Halal beef franks and you’re almost done! We used Midamar’s Jumbo smoked beef franks as well as a package of the Halal premium beef franks. These are a good combo if you’re making this recipe for the family as the jumbo franks are a good size for adults with some smoky flavor on top, and the premium franks are a bit smaller and a great size for feeding hungry kids.
These just need to be heated through, so if you find this recipe when grilling isn’t an option, they can easily be pan fried until hot and the outside has a little sear then you’re ready to go!
Serve it up in a bun topped with some shredded cheddar cheese and this is an awesome savory, zesty, smoky comfort classic. It’s the best parts of a good hot dog and chili put together. It’s a tasty and fun summer favorite for a reason, and it makes for a great simple dinner that isn’t complicated, just packed with great flavor.
