Finding little pockets of comfort is so important during trying times, and what better way to accomplish that than with some foods that basically define the Lone Star State? From chicken-fried steak to frozen margaritas, these 10 Texas delicacies are easy to whip up in your very own kitchen.
1. Texas chili
This pot of deliciousness comes together with fewer than ten ingredients. All you need is stew meat, onions & garlic, jalapeno & chipotle peppers, crushed tomatoes & tomato paste, broth, bay leaves, and a few spices. The most important thing to remember about true Texas chili is that it does not, under any circumstances, have beans of any kind.
2. Frozen margaritas
Did you know the frozen margarita was invented right here in the Lone Star State? Just grab your favorite tequila, some triple sec, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, ice, and a blender to whip up this refreshing treat in no time.
3. A good ol' fashioned burger
One of America's most iconic foods, the hamburger, is rumored to hail from Athens, Texas, where restaurant owner Fletcher Davis supposedly began serving it in the late 1800s. There are many different opinions as to where exactly this timeless classic got its start, but regardless of what you believe, it's a delicious meal guaranteed to please the whole family — plus, you only need one base ingredient: beef!
4. Queso
This melty appetizer may not have originated in the Lone Star State, but we've certainly put our own Tex-Mex spin on it over the years. Make sure to get a family-sized bag of tortilla chips to serve as vehicles for the gooey cheese dip!
5. Some finger lickin' Texas barbecue
Different areas of the South have their own methods of barbecuing, but in our (admittedly biased) opinion, nobody does it like Texas. Some of the state's most popular haunts, such as The Salt Lick, even sell their own rubs in stores so you can attempt to recreate the mouthwatering flavor in your own kitchen.
6. Kolaches
While not inherently Texan, this Czech delicacy has been synonymous with our state ever since immigrants brought the recipe with them in the mid-1800s. You've probably seen these fruit and cheese-filled pastries in countless gas stations and donut shops, particularly out west. Turns out, they're pretty easy to make at home! Just a few simple ingredients like active dry yeast, milk, sugar, flour, butter, eggs, and your favorite jam are all it takes to enjoy this ethnic treat.
7. Chicken-fried steak
Few dishes are associated with Texas quite as strong as this one. It might seem daunting to try and imitate the out-of-this-world chicken-fried steaks served up across the state, but it's worth a try! You'll need whole milk, eggs, flour, butter, vegetable oil, tenderized steak, and a few seasonings to make the magic happen. Oh, and don't forget a generous pour of cream gravy!
8. Texas sheet cake
Our state is so special, there's an entire cake named after it. The addition of buttermilk turns an otherwise ordinary chocolate cake into the richest, most fudgy dessert you've ever tasted. Most stores, like H-E-B, even carry a box mix that does most of the hard work for you!
9. Breakfast tacos
Austin is the birthplace of the breakfast taco, a dish the Capital City has become famous for over the years. Most Tex-Mex restaurants now offer these scrumptious morsels, with everything from chorizo and egg to avocado and black bean appealing to a wide range of preferences. There's no exact formula; just grab some tortillas and throw all your favorite goodies inside!
10. Pecan pie
Pecan pie is a staple dessert across the South, but you certainly won't see a Texas holiday table without it. Not only is the dessert absolutely delicious, but it's also ridiculously easy! All you need is a pie crust, pecans, eggs, butter, sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt. See? Piece of cake — err, pie.
Have you made any of these Texas delicacies? Did we leave off your favorite? Let us know your thoughts either way, and head on over to our previous article for more products that originated in the Lone Star State: 12 Things We Love That Were Invented In Texas.
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