Hot dogs reimagined: A daring twist on classic casserole

Hot dogs can evoke a range of emotions. Rightfully so! I'm not entirely convinced we should rely on them for our health and fitness. However, let's acknowledge an obvious fact. There are hot dogs, and then there are... better-quality hot dogs. Those with a simple composition, high meat content (it's essential to avoid any mechanically separated meat) and minimal "E" additives aren't so bad. I see nothing wrong with enjoying them occasionally, and not just at breakfast.

Recently, I decided to try a recipe that had been on my mind for a while: potato casserole with hot dogs. Does it sound controversial? Perhaps, but let's remember that even the strictest diets allow for a cheat day. That's exactly how I view this dish. It's simple, tasty, and affordable. No one can convince me it's culinary misconduct! But don't just take my word for it—try the recipe below and judge for yourself.

Ingredients:

• 300 grams of good-quality hot dogs,
• 700 grams of potatoes,
• 2 onions,
• 1 zucchini,
• 4 pickled cucumbers,
• 100 ml of tomato puree,
• 200 grams of block cheddar cheese,
• Salt,
• Pepper,
• Herbes de Provence,
• Oil for frying.

Preparation method:

1. Peel, wash, and boil the potatoes. They don't have to be completely soft; it's often better if they're not fully cooked. I prefer to parboil them rather than use them raw, as they mix better with the other ingredients. After draining, slice the potatoes.
2. Chop the other vegetables: cut the zucchini into sticks, the onions into thin slices, and the cucumbers into cubes.
3. Cut the hot dogs into smaller pieces.
4. Sauté all the vegetables (except the potatoes) and hot dogs in a small amount of oil.
5. Pour the tomato puree mixed with water over them and season with salt, pepper, and Herbes de Provence.
6. Place half of the potatoes at the bottom of a baking dish. Layer the vegetables and hot dogs on top, followed by the rest of the potatoes.
7. Sprinkle the top with grated cheese. Bake for 12 minutes at 180°C (180 degrees Celsius), and it's ready. Bon appétit!