What do you think that nation’s favorite food is? If you’re like most people, you’ll pick something quintessentially American, like hamburgers. But you’d be wrong. It turns out that burgers are actually quite a long way down the list. Topping the charts is a food of Italian origin. Can you guess what it is?
#1: Pizza
Yes, right at the top of thelist sits the pizza. Granted, the US version is a little different from the traditional Sicilian variety people were whipping up a couple of centuries ago. But it’s still recognizably Italian. There’s the dough base, bright red tomato sauce topping, and cheese. And don’t forget all the other additions: the olives, pickles, mushrooms, ham, ground beef, and so on.
Why is pizza so popular? Researchers think that it is because it pushes all of our taste buttons at the same time. You have the carb hit of the base, then the tangy sourness of the sauce, followed by the richness and gooeyness of the cheese. It’s a killer combination that makes it almost irresistible.
#2: Steak
Coming in at number two on the list of the nation’s favorites is steak – no surprises there. People have been making beef chuck roast in these lands for centuries.
There’s something magicalabout steak, especially if you choose the right cut. The way it melts in the mouth is like nothing else. Plus, if you pair it with the right sides, you can create a wonderful meal that ticks all the right boxes. The perfectly roasted jacket potato with sour cream and a wedge of lettuce with ranch dressing seals the deal.
#3: Cheeseburger
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Coming in as the nation’s third-most favorite meal is cheeseburgers – something very much home-grown.
Cheeseburgers today come in a variety of styles. But the most popular offer similar taste sensations to pizza. You have the bread bun, cheese, meat, and then something sour, like pickle, ketchup, mustard, or relish. The hamburger can also come with extra additions. These include favorites like bacon, guacamole, chili mince sauce, or battered pineapple rings.
#4: Tacos
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Tacos are fast becoming more popular in the US. Originally, tacos were only a small part of the diet. But Mexican influence on the culture has led to an explosion of people now enjoying this traditional Hispanic food.
The great thing about tacos is that they give you options. You can dress them your way!
#5: Pasta
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How exactly Americans like their pasta depends on who you ask. But the most popular continues to be pasta with meatballs and marinara sauce, with plenty of cheese on top for good measure.
There are, however, plenty of other ways you can eat pasta. One of the most delicious is to make an avocado, basil, and pine nut pesto in a blender, and then mix it into the pasta. You can also try creating your own carbonara sauce by combining cashews, water, nutritional yeast, salt, and a dash of cider vinegar.
What is your number one favorite food? Let us know in the comments below!
Thank you for reading!