Coney Island Chili Sauce in the vegan world is an anomaly. I have seen recipe after recipe, all of which generally contain beans, which isn't a coney sauce recipe; that's chili.
Although I love chili, when we talk about real coney chili sauce, it is in a league all its own.
Other vegan versions are made with soy crumbles or chopped up veggie burger, and it lacks the consistency of a real Coney Sauce; the thick kind that has the consistency of a gratifying sauce to top your veggie dog or your vegan chili fries.
ALTERNATIVE MEAT PROTEIN (AKA FAKE MEAT)
Despite the recent hype and debate over alternative meats available, I don't think eating from time to time is a problem. For those who choose not to, there are plenty of soy-based proteins like BOCCA original crumbles, which I like, or you can always use lentils in place of alternative meat.
Another great option for switching out alternative meat is mushrooms or tempeh. Both can be diced or made into a crumbled texture if preferred.
Beyond Meat, for example, is made with pea protein, is soy-free, NON-GMO, gluten-free, and has 50 percent less fat than real ground beef (which isn't even something I would EVER consider eating).
So, I figured I would give it a try, and I picked up a bag in the freezer section of my local Whole Foods Market. Beyond Meat products are now sold at most grocery stores; I have even seen them at Target.
I love the pea covered bull (not cow) on the bag of Beyond Meat Crumbles, which is clever for us plant-eaters. Anyway, I decided to make my own version of Coney Island Chili Sauce, and I must say, this product was AWESOME, as was my chili sauce if I don't say so myself.
WHAT VEGAN HOT DOGS SHOULD I USE?
As vegan dogs go, they all taste different with a variety of ingredients. Obviously, the healthy version of a vegan dog is my Carrot Dogs Recipe. My kids, however, love carrot dog.
If you are in search of store-bought vegan hot dogs, these are some of our favorites:
- Field Roast Frankfurters
- The Good Frank
- LightLife Tofu Pups & Smart Dogs
- Loma Linda Big Franks
- Moving Mountains
- Tofurky Hot Dogs
MAGIC INGREDIENTS IN VEGAN CONEY CHILI SAUCE
Although it may seem like there are a lot of ingredients in vegan coney chili sauce, everything is probably in your pantry. However, the magic has nothing to do with if you choose alternative meat or lentils but the combination of spices and sauces.
For that reason, I saute the garlic and onions first. Then, I add the alternative meat or lentils (the choice is yours).
Next, add the rest of the spices and sauces and let it simmer into wonderful, tasty vegan coney chili sauce.
HOW TO COOK ALTERNATIVE MEAT
Like real ground beef, Beyond Meat Crumbles and Bocca Original Crumbles are located in the freezer section of your local grocery store. For example, my store is located in the "healthy" or plant-based section of the freezer department.
Nowadays, there are meat alternatives in the refrigerated section, in pound packages, and prepared burgers.
Cooking plant-based meat alternatives are very similar to the way you would cook ground beef. Instead of using oil or any suggested grease, as directed, I use vegetable broth in my skillet to prevent sticking.
The rest, for instance, is pretty self-explanatory. You brown the plant-based meat, as you would ground beef.
Again, I am not a big fan of alternative meat products, but I think they are great for transitioning to a plant-based diet or experimenting with a different way of eating.
Also, I don't think eating alternative meat even once in a while is the worst thing someone can do following a plant-based diet.
To each their own, and everything in moderation, especially if you are following a healthy plant-based diet. In other words, there are way worse things you could eat.
With that being said, Beyond Meat is certainly not "healthy" by any means; it does provide an avenue for those interested in grilling burgers or finding meat that crumbles for tacos or chilis. Or, it simply works for those who enjoy it and choose to go that route.
LENTILS OPTION FOR VEGAN CONEY CHILI SAUCE
But, as with most of my recipes, there is another option to consider. Instead of using alternative meat, how about using lentils? For this particular vegan coney chili sauce recipe, I used Trader Joe's pre-cooked brown lentils. Replace the alternative meat with a 17.6-ounce package of pre-cooked brown lentils.
Of course, you can also make your own lentils, make sure they aren't overcooked, as they will cook a second time while making the vegan coney chili sauce. For instance, I recommend cooking the lentils in the pan with the vegan coney chili sauce ingredients.
For chili fries, I bake my potato wedges or slices without oil or use my air fryer. For this particular vegan coney chili sauce recipe, I recommend my Perfect Crispy Air-Fried Steak Fries or try my Sweet Potato Fries if you prefer sweet potato fries.
I also have another Loaded Chili Fries recipe that uses regular vegan chili with beans to make vegan coney sauce.
Either way, chili fries are fabulous, especially a healthy, vegan version.
Take a bite, and let me know what you think! Print this amazing Vegetarian Coney Sauce Recipe.
IF YOU LOVE VEGAN COMFORT FOOD, CHECK OUT THESE RECIPES
Vegan Coney Chili Sauce....The Real Deal
Vegan Coney Chili Sauce….The Real Deal! Put it on your favorite vegan dog, or a carrot dog. Load it on your french fries, or use it as a dip.
Ingredients
VEGAN CONEY SAUCE
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 11 ounce bag of Beyond Beef or 1 11 ounce bag of Bocca Crumbles (Bocca is a "no fat" option, but it is a soy product), or 2 1/2 cup brown lentils or a 17.6 ounce bag of pre-pared lentils
- 1 16 ounce can Muir Glen Tomato Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons yellow mustard
- 3 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
Instructions
- Place the garlic and onion in a medium-sized skillet, and cook on medium until translucent
- Add the Beyond Beef Crumbles, Bocca Crumbles, or lentil option and cook until brown
- Add the remaining ingredients and cook until combined
- Keep on low until ready to serve, or cook ahead of time and reheat when ready to eat.
IF USING LENTILS INSTEAD OF ALTERNATIVE MEAT
- Add 4 cups vegetable broth if using dry lentils.
- If using pre-packaged lentils, use instead of meat alternative.
Notes
- We used this one batch of sauce for chili smart dogs and chili fries on another day. I wished I had doubled the batch! That’s how good it was.
- For chili fries, bake your potatoes without oil. For this particular recipe, I used potato coins, cooked in a 425-degree oven for 45 minutes on a silicone mat. No oil needed. Top with chili sauce, onions, and YUM!
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Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 102Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 23mgSodium 301mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 8g
Nutrition facts may not be 100% accurate.
Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂