Americans tend to do the fourth of JUly with what's considered all American fare. It's the usual hamburgers, hot dogs and ribs. yet our country s so much more than this. we have a richly ethnic table that's perfect for barbecue season,
We actually celebrate the Fourth and every barbecue Germn style. Hots dogs come from the German weiners and wurst. Hamburger derives from the chopped steak dish from Hamburg , the North Sea port. of course beer is as German as it comes.If you want truly American food then think Buffalo wings that came out of that New York State city and was created by Teressa Bellissimo in 1964. Yet Buffalo wings can have so many variations. Add a marinade of ginger and soy sauce for an Oriental flair . add cumin and garam masala if you like Indian flavors. Jerk chicken wings are a tasty addition to any holiday barbecue. However they can be super hot so tame down the recipe Add only half the mount of scotch bonnet peppers or try a mild habenero. ribs come from the Caribbean and these are always a tasty bite. Again, try the same marinades on themes you would with the wings. Middle Eastern dishes such as kebabs are perfect for any outdoor cooking. You can try lamb ,chicken or a ground beef mix called kibbeh that redolent with mint and cumin. sharwarma can also be made for a flavorful Syrian and Lebanese spin.
Sides can be salads. Yes you could go for the traditional German born potato salad which is a barbecue and picnic standard. This can be varied to be served hot or cold , with bacon or without. There is a Sicilian version that subs in olive oil for mayo and has the brightness f cut green beans instead of chopped onion and celery .sliced cherry tomatoes are also added for sweetness and tanginess. You could just add olive oil as a dressing or mix it with white wine vinegar for some tartness. An Oivier or Russian salad is another innovative salad. THis is also popular at Piedmontese summer suppers being known as insalata russe. This is a delightful mix of boiled potatoes, peas, chopped ham and hard boiled eggs. Mayo binds everything together while fresh dill give its color and flavor. Elote or Mexican Street corn is big right now. It can easily be turned into a salad.First grill the corn and then removed the kernels from the cob. The dressing is a blend of mayonnaise, chili powder, lime juice and Cotija cheese (use feta if you can;t find Cotija). cilantro, and smoked paprika give it more flavor while jalapeno, give ti a nice kick of heat.
Use these flavors in your Fourth of July barbecue. They represent what this country is - welcoming to everyone and their cuisine. Try these recipes for a fun holiday meal.
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