Every region has its own culture which makes it special, including what foods are eaten and how they’re prepared. America contains several culinary regions inside its borders, but none more outstanding than Texas. Though many Texan specialties are still local, many more have made their way into general American cooking and beyond.
A Diversity of Dishes
The US is a big country and, except Alaska, Texas is its biggest state. Unsurprisingly, therefore, Texan foodways differ widely from the humid marshes along the Gulf of Mexico to the arid deserts west of the Pecos and everywhere in between. East Texas has fertile farmland, which includes the western end of America’s Rice Belt. Fishing and shrimping on the Gulf Coast afford abundant access to fresh seafood Plano. Farther west, the Rio Grande Valley is renowned for grapefruit growing. South and West Texas is cattle country, the birthplace of Texas barbecue.
Where South Meets West
One hot topic of Texan debate is whether Texas is a Southern or a Western state. Wherever you stand, there’s no denying that Texan cooking typifies both traditions. Interaction between Texas’s Mexican founders and later American settlers created Tex-Mex cuisine, a fusion of northern Mexican ingredients with southern American cooking styles. True Southern staples such as biscuits, fried chicken and pecan pie are equally common on Texan tables. Texas cooks also borrowed influences from neighboring states, including chilies from New Mexico and Cajun seasonings from Louisiana. The result is a rich combination of recipes enjoyed by all Texans.
A Multicultural Melting Pot
Texas flavors were influenced by the different ethnic groups who settled the state, each bringing their own traditions. Besides Tex-Mex, Czech and German immigrants contributed sausage-making, along with a locally popular pastry called a “kolache.” Other uniquely Texan inventions include chicken fried steak and King Ranch casserole, also called Texas lasagna. Tastes will surely keep changing as Latin-American, Asian and African immigrants continue moving to Texas.
Texan cuisine offers treats to tempt all appetites. If you’re in Texas, don’t miss the chance to mingle with the locals and sample the fare at family restaurants.
