New England Clam Chowder
Nothing quite says “regional American dish” like New England Clam Chowder. Originating in the early 1800s, this creamy soup is a favorite all along the Eastern seaboard. It is not to be confused with the red Manhattan-style clam chowder, which is tomato-based. This hearty soup comes together with just a handful of ingredients and is an ideal comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 large potatoes, diced
- 4 cups clam juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 (6.5 ounce) cans chopped clams, undrained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon, reserving 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pot. Add the onion and potatoes and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the clam juice, cream, and clams. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Add the cooked bacon, salt, and pepper to the pot and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley, if desired.
Nutrition:
One serving of New England Clam Chowder contains about 250 calories, 10 grams of fat, 15 grams of protein, and 30 grams of carbohydrates. It is also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and iron.
Shrimp and Grits
This Southern favorite is a classic dish that has gained popularity in recent years. It is a simple combination of sautéed shrimp and creamy cheese grits that packs a flavor punch. It is a great meal for any time of day, and is sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups quick-cooking grits
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot and stir in the grits. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the butter, cheese, and garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, garlic, paprika, and lemon juice. Cook and stir until the shrimp is cooked through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
To serve, spoon the grits into individual bowls and top with the shrimp. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Nutrition:
One serving of Shrimp and Grits contains about 400 calories, 15 grams of fat, 25 grams of protein, and 45 grams of carbohydrates. It is also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and iron.
Texas Brisket
Texas Brisket is a classic barbecue dish that has been enjoyed in the Lone Star State for generations. This smoky, flavorful cut of beef is slow-cooked over indirect heat and rubbed with a mix of spices. It can be served as is, or sliced and used to make sandwiches.
Ingredients:
- 1 (4-pound) brisket
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Trim any excess fat from the brisket and place in a large roasting pan. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Rub this mixture all over the brisket.
In a separate bowl, combine the Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the brisket and cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil. Bake for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the brisket reaches 160 degrees F. Remove from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition:
One serving of Texas Brisket contains about 300 calories, 20 grams of fat, 30 grams of protein, and 2 grams of carbohydrates. It is also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and iron.
Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
This iconic dish is a staple of the Windy City. The deep dish pizza is a thick, cheesy pizza with a buttery, flaky crust. It has a unique flavor that is sure to please any pizza lover.
Ingredients:
- 1 (10-ounce) package refrigerated pizza dough
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 (14-ounce) can pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped green peppers
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch deep dish pie plate with the olive oil and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese and cornmeal. Roll out the pizza dough and place it in the prepared pan. Spread the pizza sauce over the dough and top with the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, and green peppers.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition:
One serving of Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza contains about 400 calories, 18 grams of fat, 15 grams of protein, and 40 grams of carbohydrates. It is also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and iron.