andrejthechef
BrazilSausageLunch

Cachorro-Quente Paulista

A São Paulo classic: sausage simmered in tomato sauce, topped with creamy mashed potato and a crunch of crispy potato sticks.

prep
20 min
cook
20 min
total
40 min
serves
4
level
medium
A sausage in tomato sauce topped with creamy mashed potato and crispy potato sticks, São Paulo’s cachorro-quente

São Paulo’s hot dog carts skip the usual toppings entirely and simmer the sausage straight in a simple tomato sauce instead. It turns the dog into something closer to a sandwich of sauced meat than a classic American-style hot dog.

Creamy mashed potato goes on next, spooned over the sausage while the sauce is still warm, and a handful of crispy potato sticks, called batata palha, goes on last so it keeps its crunch instead of going soft in the sauce.

Cachorro-Quente Paulista is one of the best hot dogs from around the world.

method

  1. Sauté the onion and garlic in the olive oil over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes until soft. Add the tomato passata and simmer for 10 minutes, seasoning with salt.

  2. Add the sausages to the sauce and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until hot through and coated in the sauce.

  3. Mash the boiled potatoes with the butter and milk until smooth and loose enough to spoon. Keep warm.

  4. Warm the buns and place a sausage with a good spoonful of its sauce inside each.

  5. Top with a generous spoonful of mashed potato, then a handful of crispy potato sticks.

  6. Finish with ketchup, mustard and mayo drizzled over the top.

chef's tips

  • The sauce should cling to the sausage, not pool at the bottom of the bun.
  • Keep the mash loose enough to spoon but not runny, so it sits on top rather than sliding off.
  • Add the potato sticks right before eating so they stay crunchy.