Traditional Foodways
Native American cuisine provided the foundation for many distinctly American foods and cooking techniques.
The Three Sisters: Corn, beans, and squash formed the agricultural basis of many Native American societies and remain central to American cuisine.
Distinctive Contributions:
- Ingredients: Corn, tomatoes, potatoes, squash, wild rice, cranberries, and maple syrup
- Techniques: Barbecuing, succotash preparation, hominy processing, and seasonal preservation
- Regional Specialties: Navajo fry bread, Pueblo green chili stew, Pacific Northwest salmon preparations
Modern Native American Cuisine
Contemporary chefs are revitalizing traditional ingredients and techniques while creating modern interpretations of ancestral foods.