Colombian Perro Caliente Recipe

Colombian-style hot dogs, or perro caliente, are a unique and delicious twist on the classic hot dog, packed with toppings and bursting with flavor. Known for their vibrant toppings like pineapple sauce, crispy potato sticks, and a drizzle of various sauces, these hot dogs bring together savory, sweet, and crunchy elements in each bite. Here’s how to make an authentic Colombian perro caliente at home!

Ingredients

To make Colombian-style hot dogs, you’ll need:

For the Hot Dogs:

• 4 hot dog buns
• 4 beef or pork hot dog sausages
• 4 slices of bacon (optional, for extra flavor)

Toppings:

• 1 cup pineapple sauce (see recipe below)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup potato sticks (crispy, store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup shredded lettuce (optional, for added freshness)

Sauces for Drizzling:

• Ketchup
• Mayonnaise
• Mustard
• Pink sauce (a mix of ketchup and mayonnaise, optional)

Pineapple Sauce Recipe

The pineapple sauce is key to authentic Colombian hot dogs, adding a sweet and tangy touch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple (chopped)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the pineapple, sugar, and water over medium heat.
2. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the pineapple softens and the mixture thickens.
3. Allow it to cool, then blend until smooth. Set aside for topping the hot dogs.

Instructions

1. Cook the Hot Dogs
   Boil, grill, or pan-fry the hot dog sausages according to your preference. If using bacon, wrap each sausage in a slice of bacon and pan-fry until crispy and fully cooked.
2. Warm the Buns
   Lightly toast or steam the buns so they’re warm and slightly soft.
3. Assemble the Hot Dogs
   Place each hot dog in a bun and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. This will start to melt slightly from the warmth of the sausage.
4. Add the Toppings
   Spoon the pineapple sauce over each hot dog, followed by a handful of crispy potato sticks, diced onions, and shredded lettuce if desired.
5. Drizzle with Sauces
   Drizzle ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and pink sauce over the toppings. Adjust the quantity of each sauce to taste.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   Serve immediately and enjoy your Colombian perro caliente while it’s warm and loaded with fresh toppings.

Tips and Variations

• Spicy Variation: Add some hot sauce or sliced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
• Extra Crunch: If you love more crunch, add extra potato sticks or crumbled tortilla chips.
• Make It Cheesy: For a cheesier version, melt cheese on the hot dogs under the broiler before adding toppings.

Final Thoughts

The Colombian perro caliente is a fun and flavorful way to enjoy hot dogs with a Latin twist! Each bite is loaded with a delightful mix of sweet pineapple, crunchy potatoes, savory sausage, and creamy sauces. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or a unique cookout dish, these hot dogs are sure to impress.

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