The United State’s Famous Dishes: Part II

Each region in the United States has their own specialty dishes. In fact, trying to region’s signature dish is one of the best ways to authentically experience the area’s culture. In “The United State’s famous dishes: Part I” we covered the signature dishes from the coasts and the South. The culinary arts and baking & pastry arts scenes are alive and well in the Southwest, Midwest and Pacific Northwest too. From the Tex-Mex charm of the America’s Southwest to the seafoods of the Pacific Northwest, here are nine more dishes to check off of your food tour of the United States of America.

Southwest

• Chimichangas: The American Southwest is known for their take on traditional Mexican dishes, also known as Tex-Mex. A chimichanga is basically a deep fried burrito and may be topped with guacamole, sour cream or cheese.
• Chile rellenos: While chile rellenos originated in Mexico, these peppers may be dipped in egg batter rather than masa flour for a Southwest twist. Chile rellenos is usually served with red or green chile sauce or mole.
• Jalapeno poppers: A jalapeno popper is the most American take on a Mexican dish. Jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese and deep fried have now become a hit on plenty of chain restaurant’s appetizer menus.

Midwest

• Corn on the cob: Corn is very, very easy to come by in the Midwest. Midwesterners can appreciate the vegetable without adding a bunch of bells and whistles and excess ingredients.
• Pasties: A pasty is a basically a folded meat pie, filled with beef and vegetables. According to the History Channel, they originated with miners who wanted to bring a meal to work that would stay warm until lunchtime.
• Bratwurst: There are so many styles of bratwurst prominent throughout the Midwest, especially in Wisconsin. They can be prepared with peppers and served on a bun, or atop a bed of sauerkraut (though this tends to err more on the kielbasa side.)

Pacific Northwest

• Smoked salmon: This delicious fish dish is prominent in the Pacific Northwest because the fish is readily available off of the Pacific coast.
• Coffee: Only one of the largest coffee chains in the world originated in Seattle, Washington. However, there are also unlimited independent coffee shops scattered all over Washington and Oregon, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on your midday caffeine boost.
• Dungeness crab: This sweet breed of crab is very prevalent alongside the Pacific coast, so it’s no wonder it’s a staple of the Pacific Northwest. It’s even the state crustacean of Oregon!