Recipe for Mexican hot dogs, Cd. Juarez style

Mexicans make hot dogs, better known as "perritos Mexicanos," very different than the 'dogs that you'll find at your local ball park. On a trip to Cd. Juarez a couple of years ago, I came upon a street-cart vendor selling "perritos," and I instantly fell in love with them. Mexicans elevate the plain ol' hot dog to an entirely new culinary level, that has to be tasted to believe.

Special tools: Grill, indoor or outdoor will work just fine
Preparation time: About 5 minutes
Preparation time: About 5 minutes
Yield: 2 servings

2 hot dogs, any variety
2 bolillos, which is a Mexican version of a French roll
2 bolillos, which is a Mexican version of a French baguette, available in most latin grocery stores and bakeries
1/2 cup canned pinto beans; 1/4 cup per hot dog
2 slices bacon, any variety
1 tomato, chopped; I prefer hard Roma tomatoes|
1/2 cup canned pinto beans; 1/4 cup per hot dog
1/2 onion, chopped, any variety; Cd. Juarez vendors seem to perfer red onions
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons Mexican-style cheese; shredded cheddar Jack with Jalapeno peppers
1/4 sliced avacado per hot dog, optional
Mustard, ketchup (salsa catsup) and mayonaise to taste; I prefer Hellmann's Mayonesa con Jugo de Limon, purched in Mexico

Fire up the grill to medium high. While grill is heating, prepare tomato, onion and cilantro. Wrap 1 slice of bacon around each hot dog; secure with toothpick if necessary. Grill hot dogs, turning once to insure "sear" marks, until bacon is semi-crisp, but still chewy, about 5 minutes. The pinto beans do not need to be cooked, as they're already cooked, so you can place them directly on the bun.

Split open bolillo. Apply mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup, if desired. Add pinto beans, hot dog (remove toothpicks, if used) and garnishes. Serve immediately. Makes a complete meal.

Photo: Cd. Juarez-style hot dog, all dressed out, with all of the condiments. The mayonesa hides the generous helping of pinto beans.

Mexican-style hot dogs elevate the hot dog to an entirely new level. You may have trouble finding bolillos in your local supermarket, so you probably will need to visit your local panaderia, or Mexican bakery to find them. Whatever the case, they'll be fresher than the buns that come in a bag.

These hot dogs make a complete meal and are delicious. Mexicans prefer their food fresh, and your hot dogs will taste better and more authentic if you use fresh ingredients.

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