For those of us who grew up in Turkey in the 70s, fast food options were few and still “the best food was eaten at home” according to our mothers. So when we had our weekly allowances we would usually end up at one of those fast food places, bodegas in a sense not a chain remind you, and spend our money on a few sandwich selections. It was a part of our weekend ritual and one of the best memories I still cherish, hence the name “Nostalgic Hot Dogs”.

8 hot dog buns

1 package of Merve Beef Franks

1 tbsp of butter

2 heaping tbsp of Oncu tomato paste

mustard

4 cups of water

Tukas gourmet pickled cucumbers

Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat, add the tomato paste, saute until a uniform, smooth mixture forms. Add the water, let it simmer gently on medium heat, until the liquid reduces and thickens. Add the franks, let them heat thoroughly and soak up the sauce.

Toast or grill the buns, this is optional, you can use them as they are, place on frank in a bun, drizzle a spoonful (or more) of sauce on it, let it be messy and dripping , put some mustard on the frank, serve with pickled cucumbers.