The US for foodies: From Southern barbecue to Chicago-style pizza

The fourth largest country in the world is a bona fide melting pot of cultures and by extension, flavours. Immigrants arriving at Ellis Island brought with them culinary traditions that would infiltrate American cuisine and create a totally unique food landscape. As time went on, diaspora, pop culture, and traditions collided to create wild and wonderful culinary creations which you should be adding to your foodie bucket list.

So grab your passport and let's head States-side to get a taste of the real America.

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is a devilishly indulgent treat for any foodie visiting the Windy City. This pizza is known for its thick, buttery crust, and layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings, so make sure you have a few notches on your belt to spare. It is as if lasagne and pizza had a baby and it had its origins back in the 1940s.

Wisconsin Beer Cheese Dip

Don’t call a Wisconsinite a cheese-head to their face but just know, this is the cheese state. The only other thing they do better than cheese is drink beer. What happens when these two lifestyles collide? Delectable, ooey-gooey beer cheese dip. This bowl of yum is made from melted cheese, beer and spices and is best enjoyed watching a Greenbay Packers game. Dip pretzels or veggies in the dip and you have a touchdown in the appetizer department.

Southern BBQ

When it comes to BBQ, the Southern states of the US have you covered. Whether you're in Tennessee, Texas, or North Carolina, you'll find mouth-watering BBQ joints serving up slow-cooked meats and tangy sauces. Some of the most popular Southern BBQ dishes include pulled pork, brisket, and ribs. Here they are all about smoking, dry rubs, and tender cuts. Don’t forget the mountains of side dishes like mac ‘n cheese, buttery cornbread, and collard greens that complete the experience.

Shrimp Boil and Gumbo

If you're a seafood lover, you have to try a Louisiana shrimp boil or a New Orleans Gumbo. A shrimp boil consists of fresh shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage, and potatoes, all boiled together with a blend of Cajun spices. It's a messy but delicious meal that's perfect for sharing with friends and family. Gumbo is another classic and is a hearty stew made with a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables, and is thickened with a roux. It's often served over rice and is perfect for a cold or rainy day.

New York Bagels

Next to doughnuts, this is the most famous circular food to come from America. New York-style bagels are known for their dense, chewy texture and delicious flavour. They're perfect for breakfast or as a sandwich for lunch and the magic lies in their simplicity. Just a dollop of cream cheese is all you need to complement your bagel and let the pastry shine.

Texas Chili

Chili is a classic American dish, but the best chilli can be found in Texas. Texas-style chilli is usually made with beef, beans, chilli powder, and a variety of spices, and is often served with cornbread or crackers. Chilli is pretty much the second religion of Texas and wars have been fought over secret recipes and “whose mom made it better” debates.

Maine Lobster Roll

The humble Maine Lobster Roll is simple and iconic. It consists of fresh lobster meat mixed with mayonnaise and served on a toasted bun. You can find lobster rolls at seafood shacks and restaurants all along the coast of Maine and the rest of New England, each claiming theirs is the best in town.

Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly cheesesteak is an iconic sandwich that originated in Philadelphia. It consists of thinly sliced beef, sautéed onions, and melted cheese, all served on a hoagie roll. A hot dog cart operator invented this indulgent sandwich when he started grilling beef on his hotplate but it wasn’t until years later that cheese was added to the mix.

Biscuits and Gravy

This one serves up tons of confusion as biscuits aren’t biscuits and gravy isn’t gravy. Instead, you will find a fluffy scone-like baked biscuit smothered in a creamy white gravy with pork sausage and spices. What’s more, this calory-dense dish is served for breakfast! It is sinful and delicious, everything we have come to know and love about American food.

Ranch

It wouldn’t be an American food roundup without a nod to ranch. Is it a salad dressing? Sure. Is it a dipping sauce? Absolutely. What is inside? We have no idea but it is the holiest of holy condiments and any American worth their weight in French fries will tell you that you simply must try it. This rich and tangy sauce is universally loved and goes with just about every plate you will consume in America.

(Telegraf.rs/PR)