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I'm a little over a week into my first Whole 30, and though I pinned a million amazing looking, Whole 30 approved dinner recipes, I haven't had much time to try them out! We have had visitors, the weather has been super nice, and there are just so many other things to do than COOK (though I do love it).
I have found a few convenience foods that have come in super handy when I just don't have time to cook up a feast. These Applegate "The Great Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dogs" (from Trader Joes) are made from grass fed beef and no nastiness... basically beef and spices!
I saw this post on the Whole 30 blog about meal ideas, "buns not included." One of the ideas was for Sweet Potato "Buns." I had to try it. And can I just say, as weird as it sounds, this hot dog may be one of the best things I have eaten so far! I topped it with grainy dijon mustard and chopped onions. YUM! Who knew sweet potatoes and hot dogs would be such a fab combo?
That made me start thinking... what else could I use for a hot dog bun? So in today's post, as I'm sure you saw -- I'm showing 3 different options for a "BETTER" (i.e. healthier) bun! You'll find instructions for each below...
Stay strong people!
To make a Sweet Potato Hot Dog Bun...
Scrub a sweet potato well. Make sure you choose a long skinny sweet potato -- the ideal bun shape! Cook it however you like:
- Line a baking sheet with foil. Bake at 400 degrees for about 45 minutes or until fork tender.
- Throw the potato on a microwave safe plate and microwave for 4 and a half or 5 minutes (or until the potato is fork tender). **EASIER**
Once your potato is cooked, cut it in half length wise. Cut a slit through the flesh (not the skin) down the middle, and nestle your dog right in there. Top with your favorite dog toppers!
To make a Romaine Lettuce Hot Dog Bun...
This is by far the easiest of the 3 non-bun bun options! Tear off 2 leaves of romaine lettuce, wash them, stack them together, throw your dog in there, top it, and FEAST!
This non-bun bun option also works great for hamburgers, hot dogs, pretty much anything since romaine leaves are a perfect "boat" shape!
To make a Grilled Red Bell Pepper Hot Dog Bun...
You may have seen my post on Perfectly Grilled Veggies last week. If not, check it out here! The Red Bell Pepper hot dog bun basically follows those instructions.
Slice the sides off of a red bell pepper (a long one works best - 3-sided means you'll get 3 "buns"). Spray or brush with olive oil, season with spices of your choice (I used Trader Joes 21 Seasoning Salute and some salt), and grill over med-high heat for about 4 minutes per side. It should get nice and charred and lose it's crunch so it is pliable -- the better to wrap around a weenie!
You can even pick it up and eat it with your hands! BONUS!! While you are grilling the dogs, throw some veggies on there to for a quick and easy side.
