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    Home / Recipes / Vegan Entrees

    Vegan Coney Chili Sauce

    Published: Oct 21, 2022 by Kathy Carmichael · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Put vegan coney chili sauce on your favorite vegan hot dog or a carrot dog. Pour it over your french fries, or use it as a dip mixed with your favorite cheese sauce recipe and serve with tortilla chips! You will love this vegan coney chili sauce recipe!

    vegan hot dog with vegan coney chili sauce, mustard and onions

    Vegan coney chili sauce in the vegan world is an anomaly. I have seen recipe after recipe, which generally contain beans, which isn't a coney sauce recipe; that's chili. Before transitioning to a plant-based diet, my family loved a good coney dog, so I made a vegan coney chili sauce recipe that rocks! 

    Jump to:
    • The Fake Meat Debate
    • Vegan Hot Dog Brands
    • Coney Chili Sauce Ingredients
    • Coney Sauce Ingredient Substitutions
    • Making Vegan Coney Chili Sauce
    • Cooking Alternative Meat
    • Lentil Option
    • Other Uses for Coney Sauce
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Tips
    • Other Vegan Recipes to Love
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews

    Although I love chili, when we talk about authentic coney chili sauce, it is in a league all its own.

    Other vegan versions are made with soy crumbles or chopped-up veggie burgers. It lacks the consistency of an authentic Coney Sauce, the thick kind that has the consistency of a  gratifying sauce to top your veggie dog or your vegan chili fries.

    vegan coney chili sauce recipe on 4 hot vegan hot dogs

    The Fake Meat Debate

    Despite the recent hype and debate over alternative meats available, I don't think eating them from time to time is a problem. 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 excellent option for switching out alternative meat is mushrooms or tempeh. Chopped mushrooms or tempeh mimicks lentils and alternative meat.  

    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).

    Anyway, I decided to make vegan coney chili sauce with lentils, but if you enjoy meat alternatives, you can swap out the lentils for your favorite plant-based meat.

    Vegan Hot Dog Brands

    vegan hot dogs on a plate with KVK branded in the buns

    As vegan hot dogs go, they all taste different due to various ingredients. The healthiest version of a vegan dog is my carrot dog's recipe. And my kids love carrot dogs. 

    If you are in search of store-bought vegan hot dogs, many popular brands exist:

    • Field Roast Frankfurters
    • The Good Frank
    • LightLife Tofu Pups & Smart Dogs
    • Loma Linda Big Franks
    • Moving Mountains
    • Tofurky Hot Dogs

    Coney Chili Sauce Ingredients

    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 choosing alternative meat or lentils but with the combination of spices and sauces. 

    • White Onion: White onion has a strong flavor, and when sauteed it softens the taste.
    • Garlic: I always use fresh garlic cloves when available.
    • Brown Lentils: I used steamed brown lentils from Trader Joe's.
    • Tomato Sauce: I like to buy organic tomato sauce.
    • Yellow Mustard: Yellow mustard has a crisp, tart-and-tangy flavor that won't be clearing anyone's sinuses with spice.
    • Chili Powder: Chili powder is a seasoning blend of ground-dried chiles and other spices. Common chiles include New Mexico chiles, Ancho chiles, or Cascabel chiles. These are usually combined with spices such as cumin, oregano, and paprika. The taste varies from blend to blend.
    • Apple Cider Vinegar: Several studies in animals and humans have found that acetic acid and apple cider vinegar may promote fat-burning and weight loss, decrease blood sugar levels, increase insulin sensitivity, and improve cholesterol levels. 
    • Cumin: Cumin has a slightly sweet, warming flavor with a nutty element, and these qualities mean it's often seen as a savory alternative to cinnamon. 
    • Cayenne Pepper: The cayenne pepper is a very hot vegetable pepper, and cayenne powder is made from ground, dried cayenne peppers.
    • Vegan Worcestershire Sauce: I like Annie's brand of vegan Worcestershire sauce.
    • Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is made from real, dehydrated garlic, which is then ground to various levels of fineness
    • Onion Powder: Onion powder is dehydrated, ground onion that is commonly used as a seasoning.
    • Crushed Red Chili Flakes: A pinch of crushed red chili peppers flakes gives the sauce elevated flavor.

    Coney Sauce Ingredient Substitutions

    • Choose Beyond Meat Crumbles. Boca Crumbles, or Impossible Meat instead of lentils.
    • One clove of fresh garlic equals ¼ teaspoon of granulated garlic powder. The same conversion applies to dehydrated or freeze-dried garlic or even minced refrigerated garlic.
    • Try canned lentils, drained, or prepare your own lentils.
    • Tomato paste is an excellent choice to replace tomato sauce in most recipes as it is essentially a concentrated tomato sauce.
    • Instead of yellow mustard, try using Dijon, stone ground, or flavored mustard. Dijon and stone-ground mustard will change the flavor profile, but will still impart the mustard taste.
    • For every 1 tablespoon of chili powder, use 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and a scant ¼ teaspoon of cayenne.
    • White wine vinegar and apple cider vinegar have a similar level of acidity, making for an easy swap.
    • Ground coriander is a replacement for cumin. Cumin and coriander grow from a plant in the parsley, or Apiaceae, family.
    • Generally, ground red pepper and red chili powder replace cayenne pepper in recipes, as they are frequently made from the same pepper. Paprika comes in a variety of spice levels and flavors, ranging from sweet and mild to spicy and smokey.
    • Soy sauce (or tamari) works surprisingly well as a Worcestershire substitute. It also has a bit of sweetness and tanginess that matches well with the original.

    Making Vegan Coney Chili Sauce

    First, saute the garlic and onions until the onions are translucent.

    Then, add the rest of the spices and sauces and simmer them into excellent, tasty vegan coney chili sauce. 

    Poring tomato sauce into the lentil onion mixture

    Next, add the remaining ingredients and allow the vegan coney chili sauce to simmer and thicken.

    stirring mustard into vegan coney sauce in a pan.

    Next, add the remaining ingredients and allow the vegan coney chili sauce to simmer and thicken.

    vegan coney chili sauce recipe in a skillet with a wooden spoon.

    Cooking Alternative Meat

    Like real ground beef, Beyond Meat Crumbles and Bocca Original Crumbles are located in the freezer section of local grocery stores.

    Nowadays, there are meat alternatives in the refrigerated section, pound packages, or prepared burgers. 

    Cooking plant-based meat alternatives are very similar to cooking ground beef. However, instead of using oil or any suggested grease, use vegetable broth in the skillet to prevent sticking as directed.

    The rest is pretty self-explanatory. 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 people transitioning to a plant-based diet or experimenting with a different way of eating.

    Plant-based meats are certainly not "healthy," but they provide an avenue for those interested in grilling burgers or finding meat that crumbles for tacos or chilis. Or, they work for those who enjoy these products and choose to go that route. 

    Lentil Option

    coney sauce on a vegan hot dog ina bun on the plate

    But, as with most of my recipes, there is another option to consider. Instead of using alternative meat, how about using lentils? I used Trader Joe's pre-cooked brown lentils for this particular vegan coney chili sauce recipe. Replace the alternative meat with a 17.6-ounce package of pre-cooked brown lentils. 

    If preparing dry lentils, avoid overcooking them, so they don't fall apart when cooked a second time in the sauce.

    Other Uses for Coney Sauce

    If you're not a carrot dog fan, try vegan coney chili sauce on potatoes, as a burger topping, or serve it with nachos.

    I baked my potato wedges or slices without oil for chili fries or used my air fryer. For this vegan coney chili sauce recipe, I recommend my air-fried steak fries or try 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.

    carrot dog with chili sauce, mustard and onions on a plate

    Recipe FAQs

    What is a good vegan substitute for hot dogs?

    A whole foods option for a hot dog is a carrot dog. However, many vegan hot dog brands are sold in stores.

    What are vegan franks made of?

    Today, most vegan meat companies offer their version of a sausage or a frank, but the ingredient list has expanded far beyond tofu. Manufacturers use a mix of soy and vital wheat gluten, go all-in with a chewy seitan base or rely on veggies and beans to replicate the taste and texture of this stadium favorite.

    Do vegan hot dogs taste like real hot dogs?

    Veggie dogs feature a wide variety of ingredients to provide consumers with the same texture and taste as a hot dog, but without the terrifying mystery meat blends. Though the exact recipe varies between brands, most vegan dogs use an oil- or protein-based to create these alternative dogs.

    Tips

    • Use canned or steamed lentils as a shortcut for making cooking lentils.
    • If I don't have tomato sauce, blend a can of diced tomatoes instead.
    • I make a double batch of vegan coney chili sauce and freeze it in one cup of souper cubes because we eat it so often.
    • The coney sauce stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week or freezes for up to 3 months.
    • Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and then reheat.
    • My family likes to have a vegan hot dog bar with a variety of toppings, such as mustard, onions, pickle relish, ketchup, pickled red onions, sauerkraut, sports peppers, mild banana peppers, and diced tomatoes.
    • Other great sauce options are mustard dill sauce, mustard dipping sauce, and vegan secret sauce.

    Take a bite, and let me know what you think! Then, print this fantastic vegan coney chili sauce recipe. 

    Other Vegan Recipes to Love

    • Tofu Marinade Recipes
    • Vegan Recipes for Kids
    • Vegan Sloppy Joes
    • Vegan BLT

    If you love vegan coney chili sauce, give us a 5-star review and comment below. We would love to hear from you!

    📖 Recipe

    vegan coney sauce recipe

    Vegan Coney Chili Sauce

    Kathy Carmichael
    Put vegan coney chili sauce on your favorite vegan hot dog or a carrot dog. Pour it over your french fries, or use it as a dip mixed with your favorite cheese sauce recipe and serve with tortilla chips! You will love this vegan coney chili sauce recipe!
    4.47 from 81 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Entrees
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 61 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    VEGAN CONEY SAUCE

    • 1 large white onion chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic minced
    • 2 ½ cups cooked brown lentils I used Trader Joe's steamed brown lentils or 11 ounces meat alternative crumbles.
    • 16 ounces 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
     

    Lentils Preparation Options

    • To cook the dry lentils in the same pan as the coney sauce, saute the onion and garlic; add the lentils and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to simmer for 17-20 minutes. Then, follwo the below directions.
    • To cook dry lentils, separately, in a medium saucepan, combine the lentils and 4 cups of water and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 17 to 20 minutes or until tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water, let cool.
    • Or use steamed or canned lentils (drained)

    Making the Coney Sauce

    • Place the garlic and onion in a medium-sized skillet, and cook on medium until translucent.
    • Add the cooked lentils (or see lentil preparation options above), or use the aternative meat and brown in the pan.
    • Add the remaining ingredients and cook until combined.
    • Keep on heat on low until ready to serve, simmering the sauce. or cThe sauce will thciken as it cooks.

    Notes

    • We used this one batch of sauce for chili carrot dogs and chili fries on another day. I wished I had doubled the batch! That’s how good it is.
    • For chili fries, bake or air-fry 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 is needed. Top with chili sauce, onions, and YUM!
    • Using canned or steamed lentils is a shortcut for making cooking lentils.
    • If I don't have tomato sauce, blend a can of diced tomatoes instead.
    • I make a double batch of vegan coney chili sauce and freeze it in one cup of souper cubes because we eat it so often.
    • The coney sauce stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week or freezes for up to 3 months.
    • Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and then reheat.
    • My family likes to have a vegan hot dog bar with a variety of toppings, such as mustard, onions, pickle relish, ketchup, pickled red onions, sauerkraut, sports peppers, mild banana peppers, and diced tomatoes.
    • Other great sauce options are mustard dill sauce, mustard dipping sauce, and vegan secret sauce.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 12gCalories: 61kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 6gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 359mgPotassium: 236mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 821IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg
    Tried our recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Kathy Carmichael

    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! 🙂

    www.kathysvegankitchen.com/about-me/

    More Vegan Entrees

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anonymous

      December 06, 2020 at 4:45 pm

      4 stars

    2. Anonymous

      December 05, 2020 at 9:59 pm

      5 stars

    3. Anonymous

      November 24, 2020 at 2:22 am

      5 stars

    4. Anonymous

      November 23, 2020 at 3:52 pm

      4 stars

    5. Anonymous

      November 22, 2020 at 8:58 pm

      5 stars

    6. Anonymous

      November 15, 2020 at 1:09 pm

      4 stars

    7. Anonymous

      October 18, 2020 at 12:02 am

      4 stars

    8. Anonymous

      September 24, 2020 at 2:05 am

      5 stars

    9. Anonymous

      September 18, 2020 at 5:42 am

      4 stars

    10. Anonymous

      September 16, 2020 at 8:32 pm

      4 stars

    11. Anonymous

      September 07, 2020 at 6:25 pm

      4 stars

    12. Carol

      September 07, 2020 at 6:25 pm

      5 stars
      Very good added a little celery salt,Jessip,sugar.and a little more worchestire sauce simmered 20 mins used lightlufe ground vegan.
      Thank you for recipes going to be Labor Day lunch

    13. Anonymous

      August 16, 2020 at 8:47 pm

      5 stars

    14. Anonymous

      August 16, 2020 at 6:52 pm

      5 stars

    15. Anonymous

      August 16, 2020 at 6:52 pm

      4 stars

    16. Anonymous

      August 15, 2020 at 9:39 pm

      5 stars

    17. Anonymous

      August 14, 2020 at 7:14 pm

      4 stars

    18. Anonymous

      July 31, 2020 at 3:46 pm

      4 stars

    19. Anonymous

      July 02, 2020 at 2:59 pm

      4 stars

    20. Liz

      June 28, 2020 at 7:25 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of my favorite recipes. Easy to make, super flavorful. I freeze it in small containers so I always have some in hand for my crispy potatoes or vegan hot dogs while camping

    21. Anonymous

      June 22, 2020 at 3:02 pm

      4 stars

    22. Anonymous

      June 19, 2020 at 7:54 pm

      4 stars

    23. Christine

      May 27, 2020 at 2:48 am

      5 stars
      I'm from Michigan and haven't had a Coney dog in soooooo long! This recipe was perfect! I *think* this i what I remember from when I had them last, as a kiddo! Didn't need to change a thing! Thank you. 🙂

    24. Anonymous

      May 26, 2020 at 12:33 pm

      4 stars

    25. Anonymous

      May 06, 2020 at 9:05 pm

      5 stars

    26. Anonymous

      April 30, 2020 at 11:42 am

      5 stars

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    Hi, I'm Kathy! I love creating delicious whole foods plant-based recipes. I believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet!

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