American cuisine

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  American_cuisine

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  Blue crab

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  Thanksgiving dinner

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  American_cuisine

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  New England clam bake

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  Scrapple

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  Milkshakes

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  Smoked salmon eggs Benedict

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  Roasted American turkey

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  Quail

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  American cuisine

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  American cuisine

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  American cuisine

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  American cuisine

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  American cuisine

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  American cuisine

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  American cuisine

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  American cuisine

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  American cuisine

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  American cuisine

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  American cuisine

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  American cuisine

American Cuisine

American cuisine is a diverse and dynamic culinary tradition that reflects the history and multicultural nature of the United States. It encompasses a wide range of regional dishes and cooking styles, influenced by the country's indigenous peoples, early European settlers, African slaves, and waves of immigrants from around the world.

History

The history of American cuisine is deeply intertwined with the history of the United States itself. Indigenous peoples of North America had their own rich culinary traditions, utilizing ingredients such as corn, beans, squash, and game meats. With the arrival of European settlers, new ingredients and cooking techniques were introduced, including wheat, dairy products, and domesticated animals.

The colonial period saw the blending of Native American and European culinary practices. Dishes such as cornbread, clam chowder, and apple pie emerged during this time. The influence of African slaves brought new flavors and ingredients, such as okra and black-eyed peas, which became staples in Southern cuisine.

Regional Variations

American cuisine is characterized by its regional diversity, with each area of the country offering its own unique dishes and flavors.

Northeast

The Northeast is known for its seafood, particularly lobster and clam dishes. New England clam chowder, lobster rolls, and Boston baked beans are iconic dishes from this region.

South

Southern cuisine, or soul food, is heavily influenced by African, European, and Native American traditions. It includes dishes such as fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, and gumbo. The region is also known for its barbecue, with different styles such as Memphis barbecue and Carolina barbecue.

Midwest

The Midwest is often referred to as "America's breadbasket" due to its agricultural output. Dishes such as Chicago-style pizza, bratwurst, and hotdish are popular. The region is also known for its dairy products, particularly cheese from Wisconsin.

West

The Western United States, including California cuisine, is known for its emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and fusion of different culinary traditions. Tex-Mex cuisine, which combines Mexican and American flavors, is popular in the Southwest. The Pacific Northwest is known for its seafood, particularly salmon and Dungeness crab.

Influences

American cuisine has been shaped by various cultural influences over the centuries. The Italian-American community introduced dishes such as pizza and spaghetti, while Chinese-American cuisine popularized dishes like chop suey and General Tso's chicken.

The Mexican-American influence is evident in the popularity of tacos, burritos, and salsa. Jewish-American cuisine has contributed dishes such as bagels and pastrami.

Modern Trends

In recent years, American cuisine has seen a rise in farm-to-table dining, emphasizing locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. There is also a growing interest in fusion cuisine, which blends elements from different culinary traditions to create innovative dishes.

Related Pages

• Soul food
• Tex-Mex
• California cuisine
• Barbecue in the United States
• History of American cuisine