As non-essential travels continue to be discouraged, try curbing your wanderlust by taking a trip abroad via your very own kitchen. If comfort food is what you crave, then check out the following all-American recipes which entail hearty, iconic grub which will hopefully quell your appetite for travel.
Chicago deep dish pizza
Chicago—home of the blues, maker of the world-famous deep dish pizza. While it’s not considered pizza by some, it is undeniable that this dish has its charms. After all, who can resist the allure of a tasty carb? So since the Chicago-style pizza is all about the crust, that’s what most of the time in the kitchen is spent on. First, allow your yeast to bloom before adding dry ingredients such as all-purpose flour, cornmeal, salt and cream of tartar. Having added your vegetable oil to the mixture, go ahead and knead the dough until it’s smooth and supple. Set it aside to rise, then work on your tomato sauce. Crush your tomatoes, cook it with onion, garlic, tomato paste, olive oil as well as other spices; and you’ll have your fragrant marinara sauce to top your pizza. Once your dough is ready, press it into a well-oiled cast iron skillet and place sliced deli-style cheese over it (go nuts for that epic cheese pull), then ladle the tomato sauce atop. Finish off with parmesan cheese and olive oil, and once it bakes, you’re all set to enjoy that insanely dense ‘za.
Cincinnati-style chilli
Similar to chilli con carne, Cincinnati-style chilli is a spicy meat sauce used atop spaghetti, hot dogs, fries and even burritos. Probably the most famous chilli chain in Ohio itself is Skyline Chilli, which has the signature 5-Way meal that features the legendary sauce, shredded cheddar, beans, onions and spaghetti. But since the franchise won’t be telling us how to make their recipe anytime soon, check out the video above to see how fans have made stews inspired by the restaurant. In a pot, stir fry ground beef with diced white onions before adding beef broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce and tons of spices including cinnamon, cumin and chilli powder. After which, simply allow the chilli to thicken on low for about an hour and you’ll have your chilli to enjoy alongside your main of choice.
Country fried steak
Definitely a diner favourite, country fried steak is easier to make than one might expect. First, add salt and pepper to a piece of tenderised cube steak, then move on to creating your batters. Combine eggs and whole milk for the first, and dry ingredients such as flour, pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika for the second. Evenly coat the steak with both the dry and wet ingredients, fry it up in canola oil until brown, and finally, serve with salt and gravy. Feel free to make a full meal out of your steak with collard greens, biscuits and mashed potatoes.
The Fairfax Sandwich
Los Angeles restaurant Eggslut is one that tourists and locals flock to on the daily. To recreate the Fairfax Sandwich aka the iconic L.A. grub, simply watch the video above. There, Chef Alvin Cailan explains how he makes the perfect scrambled eggs with a knob of butter and pieces the bestselling toast together with brioche buns, cheese, caramelised onions and sriracha mayo.
