My Top 10 Classic American Dishes

When it comes to food, I think no cuisine in the world can compare to this. I've always believed that the world's diverse delicacies are the product of different human mindsets. Different mindsets dictate different cooking methods, and similarly, different cuisines reflect different mindsets. After observing the food Americans eat, I've come to realize that their cooking methods are truly simple. I've compiled my thoughts on ten classic American dishes.

1. Hot Dog

In the summer, many Europeans and Americans like to take their families out for picnics or barbecues. I think hot dogs are a great staple for summer picnics. Although they may not be the ultimate gourmet food, hot dogs are a very famous snack in the United States. Their status in the United States is similar to that of fried dough sticks and steamed buns in our daily lives.

Hot dogs were not invented by Americans, but were introduced to the United States by European immigrants. As early as the beginning of the 20th century, a Polish immigrant brought hot dogs to Coney Island in New York, where they became very popular.

Every summer, the local hot dog eating contest is a popular event. Imagine eating 30 to 80 hot dogs in 10 minutes!

2. Barbecue

Americans love to barbecue in their backyards while watching sports on TV. Barbecue is a common pastime for them.

Many Americans like to put a lot of food on the grill at one time, such as ribs, chicken breast, corn on the cob, beef or pork, etc. Barbecue is eaten with coleslaw, kale and cheese, which can satisfy the taste demand and ensure the intake of vitamins.

Three: Hamburger

The simple hamburger is a versatile food and another American staple, found in both gourmet restaurants and fast food outlets across the country.

The early hamburger wasn't invented by Americans. It was brought to the United States by European colonists. After years of refinement, the hamburger flourished, leading to the rise of well-known hamburger chains like McDonald's and Burger King.

4. Apple Pie

Apple pie, a golden crust filled with apple filling and a touch of spices, is often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Apple pie was introduced to the United States by British and Dutch colonists. With continuous refinement, it has become a beloved American dish. 

5. Gravy Bread

Some Americans enjoy gravy with a cup of tea for breakfast. Gravy is a thin flatbread smeared with lard and skim milk powder and served with sausage or gravy. This dish originated in the American South during the American Revolutionary War because it was both cheap and filling.

6. Coarse cornmeal

Grits are made from ground cornmeal and are used to make porridge. This dish is said to have been invented by Native American tribes centuries ago. I think it's similar to the arrowroot and hominy we eat up north, except we don't use arrowroot with any other seasonings. Americans enjoy grits in many different ways, often cooking them with butter, cheese, or cream, in sweet or savory ways, and often topped with garnishes like mushrooms, bacon, and shrimp.

7. Corn Dog

I think a corn dog is essentially a grilled sausage coated in cornmeal batter, deep-fried, and served on a skewer with ketchup or mustard. It's a quick snack you'll find at theme parks and festivals.

8. Buffalo Wings

Buffalo wings are made by deep-frying chicken wings and mixing them with chili sauce. It is a classic bar snack that first appeared in a bar in Buffalo, a port city in western New York State, USA. The locals loved the taste of these chicken wings, and then they spread across the United States and around the world. 

9. New England Clam Chowder

New England clam chowder was also brought to the United States by early European immigrants. Made with clams, potatoes, onions, heavy cream, herbs, and pork (bacon), it's a warming dish on cold days.

10: Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies

A graham cracker with a chocolate and marshmallow filling, this sweet treat is often found at celebrations and enjoyed around a bonfire.

These foods look quite exotic, but they are very simple to make. I think European and American thinking may not be suitable for the field of food.

What's more, these foods are high in calories. If I eat them every day, I will become very fat. 

Food & Cooking