Every state has certain foods that are unique to that region. New Orleans is known for their Cajun food and crawdads, New York for its Jewish delicatessens, Philadelphia for its Philly Cheesesteaks, so on and so forth. People from those states grew up with those foods. If you are from The Mountain State, then the dishes on the list below are the foods you know and love. If you are not from here, then it’s time to try these dishes as soon as possible.
1. Biscuits and Gravy
This is such a classic breakfast food in West Virginia that there is even a restaurant based on it. And if you have never eaten at a Tudor's Biscuit World, either you don't live here, or you haven't lived here very long.
2. Pepperoni Rolls
Rolls stuffed with pepperoni then baked to a golden brown. Simple and delicious, they are a cross between a roll and a sandwich.
3. Skillet Cornbread
The best way to cook cornbread is on a seasoned cast iron skillet that is used ONLY for cornbread and nothing else. It always best to throw a little sugar into the mix and make it sweet.
4. Venison
Hunting deer is fine, but the best part is the venison that comes from it. It's hard to describe the taste of venison if you've never had it, but I can tell you that it does not taste like beef. It has its own distinct flavor that is delicious if cooked properly.
5. Soup Beans (with cornbread)
This is another simple but delicious recipe. Basically, you slow cook a package of pinto beans with salt and small chunks of ham. Once done, sprinkle some sweet onions on top and serve with cornbread.
6. Chicken Fried Beef Steak
This is basically fried, breaded beef traditionally served with mashed potatoes and country style gravy. Bob Evans does this dish particularly well.
7. Buckwheat Pancakes
A slight variation on the traditional pancake, but just as delicious. They don't have any actual wheat in them, despite the name, but the batter makes fluffy pancakes with an earthy taste. They are also gluten free.
8. Hot Dogs with Sauce and Slaw
It's not so much the hot dog that is different, but the toppings. Here in West Virginia, our hot dogs come with a chili based sauce and coleslaw on top. Once you try it, you are hooked.
9. Morel Mushroooms
These are only in season at a certain time of the year, but when they are, you can have them fried with cracked pepper or any other way you like. Just don't eat them raw because they have toxins in them that can only be removed by heat.
10. Ramps
Like morel mushrooms, these are only in season during a certain time of the year. They are a type of wild onion that goes great with potatoes or anything else that would benefit from an onion flavor.
11. Chicken and Dumplings
This is a type of food, like many others on this list, that is not necessarily exclusive to West Virginia, but is well loved by the people who live here. It's a good meal for a hearty appetite.
Which of the foods on this list are your favorites? Feel free to comment below and join the discussion.
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