Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Coney Island Chili Sauce?
It is a savory sauce reminiscent of the original Tony Packo's recipe, combining lean ground beef with a medley of spices to top sausages or hot dogs.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of lean ground beef.
How long does it take to brown the ground beef?
It takes about 8-10 minutes over medium-high heat until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink.
Should I drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, you should drain off excess fat after browning the meat to ensure the mixture remains lean.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 garlic cloves, finely minced.
Can I substitute the Hungarian paprika?
No, the recipe specifies Hungarian paprika with no substitutes to achieve the authentic flavor.
How much chili powder is in the sauce?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chili powder.
How long should the chili sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer uncovered for about 1 hour.
Do I need to cover the skillet while simmering?
No, the instructions state to simmer the sauce uncovered until it reaches your desired consistency.
How much water is added to the mixture?
You should add 3 cups of water to the beef and spice mixture.
What are the main spices used in this chili sauce?
The spice blend includes thyme, cumin, cayenne pepper, chili powder, black pepper, and Hungarian paprika.
Is there thyme in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 tablespoon of dried thyme.
How much cumin is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 tablespoon of ground cumin.
Is this chili sauce spicy?
Yes, it is described as zesty and contains cayenne pepper, chili powder, and black pepper for a robust flavor profile.
What should I serve this chili sauce with?
It is perfect for hot dogs, Polish sausages, or as a topping for nachos.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of ground black pepper.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic should be finely minced and sauteed for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt.
Can I use this for a party?
Yes, it is ideal for gatherings, family dinners, and is tagged as a great party food.
How much cayenne pepper is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 dash of cayenne pepper.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is to brown the lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients in the recipe.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a classic comfort food dish.
What is the consistency of the final sauce?
The sauce is thickened during the 1-hour simmering process to the user's desired consistency.
Is Hungarian paprika essential?
Yes, the ingredient list specifically notes 'no substitutes' for the Hungarian paprika.
Does the recipe use dried or fresh thyme?
The recipe specifies 1/2 tablespoon of dried thyme.
At what heat should the meat be browned?
The meat should be browned over medium-high heat.
Should the water be hot or cold when added?
The recipe does not specify temperature, but you pour in 3 cups of water and bring the whole mixture to a gentle simmer.
What is the total simmering time?
The total simmering time is approximately 1 hour.
How should the ground beef be broken up?
The instructions recommend breaking the beef into small crumbles while browning.