The Chicago-style hot dog has become a staple in the Windy City. It’s no surprise that the dish’s fame is rooted in Chicago’s rich history. You may have wondered where hot dogs came from and how they became so popular. As hot dog historian Dr. Bruce Kraig told CNN Travel the dish didn’t make it to America until the 1840s when German immigrants brought their dishes across the Atlantic. However Chicago’s unique hot dog style was developed during the Great Depression even earning it the nickname “Depression Sandwich” (via Block Club Chicago).
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 Scripps News | 2016-10-20 13:53:30 |  3,781 Views |
Hot dogs were already a popular working class food before the Depression but by adding a variety of vegetable toppings (including lettuce) to the inexpensive sandwich Chicagoans could enjoy something approaching a full meal for just a dime. During this financially difficult time in American history fries and beverages would not have been offered with the hot dog to keep costs down. It was out of necessity that the delicious topping-laden Chicago hot dog was born.
With Jewish immigrants popularizing the kosher hot dog in the early 20th century the Chicago-style hot dog is a beef frankfurter wrapped in a poppy seed bun. The hot dog is then topped with yellow mustard pickle relish diced white onion sliced tomatoes a slice of dill pickle pickled peppers and celery salt…note the absence of ketchup. Loaded with vegetables and flavor the Chicago-style hot dog remains popular nearly 100 years after its creation.
As full of history as it is of flavor a Chicago-style dog is loaded with vegetables and is often jokingly said to be "dragged through the garden." After so many years of artistry there are some specific rules for properly preparing a Chicago dog. A classic Chicago dog's bun will always be steamed — forget broiling — and while the sausage may be boiled or steamed it will never be grilled. (Some Chicago restaurant owners have broken with tradition by serving slightly charred sausages called "char dogs.")
