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I'm a recent convert to the fermented cabbage dish Sauerkraut which I know is popular in Germany and Poland. On TV I've seen this served on hot dogs in The States and was wondering whether it is traditionally washed to produce a milder flavour before being used?

Also, is anything else (usually) served on a hot dog when sauerkraut is included - mustard/ketchup for example?

Cheers!

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    No, saurkraut is not traditionally washed, but there are an infinite number of hot dog eating traditions. I am not sure that there is any single answer to what else goes with saurkraut on a hot dog. – SAJ14SAJ Sep 14 '13 at 19:46
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    I add mustard, even though both Sauerkraut/zuurkool and mustard are already sour. – Cerberus Sep 14 '13 at 21:34
  • American Sauerkraut is milder tasting not because it's washed, but because it is pasteurized to extend shelf life, which kills the live cultures. – Lee Daniel Crocker Feb 18 '20 at 17:34
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It really comes down to taste. In this usage, you're treating sauerkraut like a condiment so there's not really a "correct" answer.. A lot of hot dog places have traditions - for instance, Nathan's Famous hot dogs (the original "Coney Island" hot dog) uses these combinations with kraut:

-Sauerkraut, spicey brown mustard (New York style) -Thousand island dressing, sauerkraut, swiss cheese (Reuben style)

A famous hot dog maker in Pennsylvania, Yocco's Famous Dogs, uses sauerkraut and a thin bean chili combination to make their hot dogs.

The sauerkraut will often be very strong tasting, but not as "funky" as kimchi. It pairs well with a lot of different foods, usually other strong flavors (either strong tart like the spicey mustard, or strong sweet like the thousand island dressing or sweet relish).

Personally, I just eat sauerkraut with a fork. But if I have it on a dog, I pile it on with dill relish, country style dijon mustard, a dash of sriracha, and some diced onion. I recommend not kissing anyone for awhile after eating.

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  • Thanks for the information, some interesting suggestions to try! – StuPointerException Sep 20 '13 at 8:16
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All beef hot dogs with sauerkraut and brown mustard, can't get much better than that unless you add bacon and/or avocado. The traditional NY hot dog is all beef hot dog with sauerkraut and mustard, you can also add a sweet diced pickle relish and/or a tomato&onion sauce too.

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