When a hot dog is not a hot dog

A carrot in disguise looks pretty much like hot dog – this notdog is a vegetarian’s best friend.

FACTS now have alternatives. A fact that makes the solid substrate of reality feel strangely spongy. And not in that winsome, Rene Magritte way. Stare at his painting of a pipe, labelled “This Is Not a Pipe,” and smirk. True that.

The same effect can be conjured on the plate. A carrot, boiled in mustard and mace, grilled and stuffed in a bun, looks much like a hot dog. It tastes much like a hot dog too. But it’s not a hot dog. It’s a ... notdog.

But it’s delicious.

That’s real news for vegetarians, carrot fans and anyone else longing for a final bite of summer fun. Even if fun, in these surreal times, seems a mere illusion.

NOT DOGS

Makes 8

8 large carrots

1/4 cup cider vinegar

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 clove garlic, smashed 2 tsp smoked paprika

2 tsp ground mustard

2 tsp peanut or canola oil 1 tbsp salt

1 tsp chilli sauce or ketchup 1 tsp sugar 1/2 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp celery seeds

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

1/8 tsp ground mace

8 hot-dog buns mustard, relish

and chips to serve Peel carrots and trim to 15cm (6-inch) lengths, cutting away the skinny portion.

If you like, use the peeler to round the two ends, yielding more of a hot dog shape. Settle carrots in a single layer in a saucepan or skillet. Pour in enough water to barely cover carrots. Stir in remaining ingredients (except buns and condiments, obviously).

Bring to a boil, lower heat a bit, cover and cook at a low boil, shaking pan now and then, until carrots are tender and water has all but evaporated, about 30 minutes.

The time it takes to cook will vary, depending on thickness of the carrots, size of pan and amount of water used. Uncover during the last couple of minutes, rolling carrots in the syrupy spices. Turn on a hot grill (or heat a ridged griddle over high heat). Oil lightly. Grill carrots, turning a few times, until nicely tattooed, about 3 minutes. You may want to warm the buns at the same time. Place carrots in buns, and add condiments.

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Munch. Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service