Italian food meets American taste. The debate on what food can be called American is always a tasty battle of the senses.
And while American fare varies, according to Business Insider, the go-to dishes for five states pull from the same cuisine: Italian.
And the winners are…
The "Toasted Ravioli" for Missouri. This ravioli from St. Louis is doused in oil, covered in breadcrumbs and fried, then served with marinara sauce.
Toasted Ravioli (via @Locals Only - Facebook)
“New York Pizza” for the Empire State. It tastes like nowhere else, and some credit the water for its distinct flavor!
“Newhaven-style Pizza” for Connecticut. The white clam pie known as “apizza” (pronounced “ah-beets”) was popularized by the legendary pizzeria franchise, Frank Pepe Pizza Napoletana.
“Pepperoni Roll” for West Virginia. This popular lunch item was a staple for coal miners and remains available in convenience stores. And of all foods, few are as controversial as this one. In the 1980s, the pepperoni roll was debated by the Supreme Court.
“Chicago Deep Dish” for Illinois. The origins of this skillet-style pie are always in dispute. But as Business Insider puts it, for many, it's just a “must-have.”
To check out the rest, here’s the full list of the 50 states and their dishes.
Cover Photo: Pepe's Clam Pizza via Facebook