Coney Island Chili Dog Recipe: A Taste of Detroit

Coney Island chili dogs are a regional delicacy, especially popular in Detroit.  They're a simple yet satisfying combination of a snappy hot dog, flavorful chili, mustard, and onions.  Here's how to make them at home:

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Chili:**

    * 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is recommended for flavor)

    * 1 small onion, finely chopped

    * 2 cloves garlic, minced

    * 1 tablespoon chili powder

    * 1 teaspoon ground cumin

    * 1/2 teaspoon paprika

    * 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)

    * 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

    * 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

    * 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

    * 1 cup beef broth

    * 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

    * 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

    * Salt and pepper to taste

* **For the Dogs:**

    * 8 high-quality hot dogs (natural casing preferred)

    * 8 hot dog buns

* **Toppings:**

    * Yellow mustard

    * Finely chopped white onion

**Instructions:**

1. **Make the Chili:** In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.

2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, allspice, and cinnamon. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

4. Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.

5. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  If the chili becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth.

6. **Prepare the Dogs:** While the chili is simmering (or after), cook the hot dogs according to your preference. You can grill them, pan-fry them, or poach them in simmering water.  Grilling or pan-frying will give them a nice char.

7. **Assemble the Coney Dogs:** Place a hot dog in each bun. Spoon a generous amount of chili over the hot dog. Top with yellow mustard and finely chopped white onion.

8. **Serve immediately:** Enjoy your homemade Coney Island chili dogs!

**Tips and Variations:**

* **For a smoother chili:** Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to break up the ground beef further while it's cooking.

* **Spice it up:** Add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicier chili.

* **Sweetness:** A pinch of brown sugar can add a touch of sweetness to the chili.

* **No Onions?:** Some Coney stands offer the option without onions.

* **Cheese:** While not traditional, some people enjoy adding shredded cheddar cheese to their Coney dogs.

Enjoy this taste of Detroit!  Let me know what you think in the comments!