Throwback Thursday: Carrot Hot Dogs

Sometimes when you have no bun, you have to use an English Muffin. No regrets!
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This week, Inspirilized posted a beautiful picture of a carrot dog on her Instagram and got some seriously rude responses.  She's not vegan and most of her recipes aren't vegan, but for some reason some people still really fight back against anything they like made vegan.  Well too bad, dudes. 

Apart from the drama, that tussle reminded me how great carrot dogs are!  I first heard of them when I was living in Alaska an some hot dog specialty restaurant opened and I saw "carrot dog" on the menu as a vegetarian option.  I actually thought it was a joke and never tried it.

Then, in my Vegan Parents group on Facebook, I saw a post with a recipe, and I started making them and loving them.  Of course I do a mishmash of recipes, so I'll share a variety of them for you to choose from or combine into your own perfect dawg.

Why Carrots?

The first answer is obviously shape, but actually the sweetness and texture of a carrot really lends itself to a vegan version of a hot dog.  As long as you don't boil the life out of it, a carrot retains a nice bite, even when you cook it, and with a good marinade you can really infuse flavor in it. 

Also, carrots are healthy, cheap, and readily available.  Sure, I like veggie hot dogs, but they are pretty processed and I can't always find them locally, so carrot dogs make for a cheaper and *easier option.  

*Easier, but takes some time to really infuse flavor, so not necessarily faster.

Okay, Let's See Some Recipes!

Carrot Dogs from Kid Tested, Firefighter Approved
This was the first recipe I tried and it was a hit.  I just love the name and the story that the kids AND the firefighter love these.  You going to tell a firefighter he needs a meat hotdog?  I wouldn't, if I were you .

All Natural Carrot Dogs from The Easy Vegan Cookbook
​I like that this offer a soy-free option for those with sensitivities.  You could sub coconut aminos in the other recipes you find too, if that's a concern.

Vegan Carrot Dogs with Spiraled Toppings by Inspiralized
Not only does this recipe have a carrot dog recipe, but I love that she gives 3 different topping ideas that all look amazing.  Please, I must spiralize a pickle like NOW.

Chili Cheese Carrot Dogs by Plant Strong Vegan
These are soy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and pack a big filling bite into this healthy alternative to hot dogs.  

Looking for a Vegan Hotdog that isn't a Carrot?

My favorite vegan dawg is the Frankfurter from Field Roast.  They have a complex taste, densely chewy texture, and they are great with toppings.

Another favorite is the Kielbasa by Tofurkey. This is a big plump vegan sausage with lots of flavor and you can boil it in beer, grill it, and top with grilled onions, sauerkraut, and mustard for a totally satisfying dawg that will make you forget all about meat.

Most veggie dogs are vegan, but read the ingredients in case.  My kids like the basic Yves The Good Dog hot dogs, so try out a few and see what you are into.