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1
Begin making the Carolina Chili. (To avoid greasy chili, be sure to choose a very lean ground beef since the beef is not browned and drained in this recipe). Place the beef and 2 cups of water in a 4 1/2-quart Dutch oven or soup pot over high heat. Bring the water to a boil.
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2
Add the chopped onion to the beef. When the water boils again, reduce the heat to medium. Stir to begin breaking up the meat.
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3
Add the tomato paste, ketchup, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, salt, and pepper, if using. Stir well until the tomato paste has dissolved and the meat is mostly broken up.
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4
Continue to cook the chili at a slow boil, stirring about every 5 minutes or so, until the mixture is thick, about 15 minutes. As the mixture thickens, you may need to reduce the heat to medium-low or low to prevent sticking.
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5
Many Southerners prefer chili that is finely ground (roughly the consistency of cooked oatmeal) because it's easier to spread on a hot dog and easier to eat as well. To try it this way, place the chili (cooled at least 20 minutes) in a blender or food processor and blend on high until finely ground, 30 to 45 seconds.
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6
While the chili simmers and about 12 to 15 minutes before you plan to serve the chili dogs, turn on a gas grill to medium-high.
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7
Place the hot dogs on the hot grill and cook until heated through and just beginning to brown all over, about 5 minutes. Heat the buns on the grill, if desired. To serve, place each hot dog in a bun and smother with chili.
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8
Make-ahead: The chili can be refrigerated, covered, for up to 2 days or it can be frozen for up to 2 months. * If the chili has been frozen, thaw it in a microwave oven on the defrost setting, following the manufacturer's directions and stirring after each 1-minute interval, then reheat. * To reheat, place the chili in a microwave-safe container, cover with a paper towel, and microwave on high until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes for 1 cup, stopping once halfway through.
