When talking about American food, the first thing that comes to mind is fast food – burgers, hot dogs and deep-fried chicken. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Due to the large number of nations living in the United States, there is an amazing gastronomic mix here – dishes with African influences coexist with European and Asian ones, and complex recipes stand on a par with easy ones. Each family and cook in this country have its own signature secrets of American cuisine, as a result of which one dish can have an endless number of variations.
Hot dog
The hot dog is one of the most popular American street food dishes in the world. It consists of a long bun that is not completely cut and stuffed with sausage. Ketchup and mustard are commonly used as sauces. In addition, onions, pickles, sauerkraut, minced meat, and bacon are often added inside, giving this simple dish different flavors. Hot dogs are closely associated with New York, because there this dish is simply sold on the street. The most iconic place to try a sausage and bun is Nathan’s Famous restaurants.
Apple Pie
Apple pie is a traditional American dessert brought to the continent by Europeans in the 17th and 18th centuries. The first recipes appeared in Amelia Simmons’s cookbook, American Cookery, published in 1796. It is one of the best dishes in the United States and a popular comfort food that brings peace and nostalgic feelings. Sliced fresh apples mixed with sugar and spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg) are laid out on a thin layer of dough. Add another layer of dough on top or make a mesh out of it. Traditionally, a slice of Apple Pie is served with vanilla ice cream. There is an unusual serving of this dessert with cheddar cheese, common in New England, Pennsylvania and the Midwest.
Clam Chowder
Clam chowder is a category of soups in American cuisine, the key ingredient of which is shellfish. In addition, it includes potatoes, onions, celery, and carrots. The hot dish is served with breadcrumbs or oyster crackers. The most famous types of Clam Chowder are New England, Manhattan and Rhode Island. The former contains milk or cream, although early versions were thickened with crackers or stale bread. Manhattan soup contains tomato paste or tomatoes. The first mention of such a recipe dates back to 1919. The Rhode Island version is characterized by a clear-colored broth without unnecessary additives. In San Francisco, this dish is usually served not in a plate, but in a loaf of sourdough bread. Clam chowder is the ultimate American comfort food for seafood lovers on a cold night.
Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are a hearty snack in the coastal states. This food is especially popular in Maryland. It consists of crab meat – fresh or marinated. Depending on the region, blue or Dungeness crab is used. Other ingredients include eggs, mustard, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. The formed cutlets are dipped in breadcrumbs and fried in oil or baked in the oven. Crab Cakes are served with lemon wedges, tartar sauce and French fries.
Buffalo Wings
Buffalo wings are a famous American beer snack. Without a doubt, it’s on the “Greatest American Food” list. The dish was invented in the 1960s in Buffalo, New York. According to one version, it was invented by the owners of the Anchor bar – the Bellissimo family. It was invented impromptu as a quick snack. What made it even more special was that at that time chicken wings were thrown away or used for broth. Another possible author is chef John Young, who came from Alabama. In 1961, at his Buffalo restaurant, he began serving uncut wings, deep-fried and topped with his signature Mumbo tomato sauce. The preparation of the classic version of the dish begins with the fact that the shoulder and middle parts of the chicken wings are fried until golden brown, then the pieces are dipped in a sauce made from cayenne pepper, melted butter, vinegar and spices. Buffalo Wings are served with celery and carrot sticks and blue cheese sauce.
Tater Tots
Tater Tots are a popular potato side dish and America’s favorite food. The raw root vegetable is finely chopped, spices (salt, pepper, herbs, onion and garlic powder), and corn starch are added. Some recipes also add American cheese. The mass is used to form products in the form of small potatoes. They are baked in the oven or fried until golden brown. The secret to getting the perfect consistency is to soak the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch before chopping. Tater Tots are served with a variety of sauces to suit your taste.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are one of the simplest and most classic American desserts and a traditional American food. In American supermarkets, ready-made dough for baking this sweet is sold everywhere. They are essentially shortbread cookies with chocolate chips. Its history dates back to 1938, when chef Ruth Graves Wakefield decided to add chopped chocolate bars to the dough. Chocolate Chip Cookies contain flour, butter, white and brown sugar, eggs, vanilla and chocolate chips. Some cooks add peanut butter as an additional ingredient. Traditionally, it is usually consumed with milk.
Pot Roast
Pot roast is a typical American food consisting of beef stewed with vegetables. For cooking, meat is usually taken from the shoulder and neck or shoulder blade area. A whole piece of beef is salted, peppered and fried in vegetable oil in a deep saucepan with a thick bottom. The meat is removed and onions, carrots and garlic are added to the same container. After frying, they are also set aside. Then deglaze the bottom with red wine or broth, return all the fried ingredients, add thyme and rosemary and place the container in the oven. Cooking time for Pot Roast takes 3-4 hours, depending on the weight of the meat.
California Roll
California roll is featured on the menu of all sushi restaurants in the world and is a very common food in America. According to one version, it was invented in the late 1970s by Japanese chef Hidekazu Tojo, working in Vancouver. According to another, the author of the roll is Ichiro Mashita from Los Angeles. He was looking for something to replace tuna and settled on avocado and crab. Thus, California Roll consists of cucumber, avocado, crab meat or its substitute surimi. The filling is wrapped in nori seaweed, then in a layer of cooked rice. The resulting roll is rolled in flying fish roe (tobiko) or capelin (masago) and cut into six or eight pieces.
General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s Chicken is a classic American food made with fried chicken in a sweet, tangy sauce. Some believe that the dish is named after the Qing Dynasty military leader Zongtang Zuo. According to another version, the recipe was invented by the cook of the Chinese politician Chiang Kai-shek, Peng Zhangui, who fled with him to Taiwan in the middle of the 20th century. In 1973, the culinary specialist emigrated and opened a restaurant in New York. General Tso’s Chicken recipe is simple. Chicken fillet is cut into pieces, rolled in cornstarch and deep-fried. To make the sauce, mix rice vinegar, sugar, corn starch, sesame oil, water, hoisin and soy sauces. The dressing is added to the pan with sautéed ginger, chili pepper and garlic. Thicken for a couple of minutes and mix with fried chicken. This savory bird is served with boiled white rice.
