FULL STORY:  Some people struggle to define what “American” food is . . . because a lot of the most popular dishes in the U.S. are heavily influenced from other countries and cultures . . . even if the American version is unique.

CNN has a new feature on the “20 Greatest American Dishes,” and they’ve included one that most Americans might AVOID:  Fried okra.  It’s #2 on the list, even though it’s unclear if they were actually ranked.

They have barbecue at #1, and the rest of list includes:  Cobb salad . . . the peanut butter and jelly sandwich . . . the hamburger . . . apple pie . . . chili . . . clam chowder . . . the Reuben sandwich . . . eggs Benedict . . . grits . . . spaghetti and meatballs . . . and chocolate chip cookies.

Some of the less ubiquitous items include:  Fry bread . . . red beans and rice . . . gumbo . . . poke . . . the classic Mission burrito . . . and banana pudding.

And there’s also General Tso’s chicken, which has basically been claimed by America at this point.  

(CNN)