Believe it or not, there are hotdog purists out there that think putting ketchup on a hotdog is blasphemy. Mustard is fine, as is saurkraut (yuck!), peppers, tomatoes, celery salt, chili, sour cream, etc. So why do people hate the idea of ketchup on hotdogs so much?
A recent article on the amazingribs.com site highlights the argument with quotes from many people including the President himself. It’s worth a read.
Nonetheless, I view ketchup on a hotdog as an American cultural norm.
My fondest memories of hotdogs are the boiled hot dogs served in the streets of Athens, Ga. One of this particular hotdog purveyor’s signature dogs was the “Red Dawg”. I ordered this everytime! It is a light coat of Heinz ketchup and then a generous dashing of Tabasco. It is spicy, sweet, and savory. What is wrong with that flavor profile?
It is a bit different in the South. Grinding meat and making sausages is very European.
But what is more impressive and American than the immigrant story linked above?
Much like the author above, I promote free choice. If you want ketchup on your hotdog, do it. If not, then don’t ‘shame’ people by sending them to the back of the line. tsk-tsk
If your are not from Chicago or New England, then dress your hotdog however you like. 🙂