African American Soul Food Recipes - Soul Food and Southern Cooking (2024)

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African American Soul Food Recipes - Soul Food and Southern Cooking (1)African American Soul Food Recipes

Hey there, food lovers! 🍗🍲 Welcome to our little corner of the internet where we celebrate the rich, flavorful world of African American Soul Food. So, let's get right to it—what's your go-to comfort dish? With such an incredible array of options, it's like choosing your favorite child, isn't it?

Ah, fried chicken—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. It's a classic that never fails to hit the spot. Pair it with some collard greens cooked to perfection with a hint of smoky bacon, and you've got yourself a plate of heaven. And let's not forget the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese. It's the side dish that often steals the show!

But hey, maybe you're more of a chitterlings kind of person? No judgment here! Chitterlings, or "chitlins" as they're affectionately known, have a special place in soul food history. Served alongside fluffy white rice, crumbly cornbread, and black-eyed peas that are seasoned just right—this is a meal that speaks to the soul.

Or perhaps you're in the mood for smothered pork chops? Imagine tender pork chops, smothered in a rich, savory gravy, accompanied by cabbage that's cooked until it's just tender but still has a bit of crunch. Add some buttery lima beans, and you've got a meal that's fit for Sunday dinner. And let's not forget about pigs' feet, pinto beans, and that ever-so-comforting combo of rice and cornbread.

For those of you who love firing up the grill, we've got you covered too! There's nothing like the smoky aroma of barbecued chicken and ribs wafting through the air. Pair them with a side of baked beans that have been simmering in a blend of spices and a potato salad that's the perfect balance of creamy and tangy. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.

Now, what's a soulful meal without the perfect drink to wash it all down? Whether you're sipping on some classic iced tea, enjoying freshly squeezed lemonade, or opting for a glass of orange juice, we've got the ideal beverage to complement your feast.

So, as you can see, when it comes to African American Soul Food, the options are endless and the flavors are out of this world. We can't wait for you to dig in and explore all the deliciousness we have to offer.

Bon appétit!

Below you will find photos and links to some of our most popular soul food recipes. Pick and choose your favorites until you have yourself a meal. With recipes in hand, you only need to do a little grocery shopping to get all the ingredients you need to cook a mouthwatering meal just like Grandmama. Enjoy!

African American Soul Food Recipes - Our Favorites

Fried Chicken

Creamed Corn

Salmon Croquette Patties

Black-eyed Peas

Fried Catfish

Homemade Biscuits

Chitterlings

Homemade Meatloaf

Collard Greens

Smothered Pork Chops

Lima Beans

Potato Salad

Banana Pudding

Sweet Potato Pie

Tomato Soup

Sweet Tea

Well after looking at our favorites list above you might be thinking, everything looks and sounds so good so what should I eat?

If you ask me, I like them all.

I don't have just one African American soul food recipe favorite. I like to say, I enjoy eating and feasting on them all. You don't have to try them all in one weekend. We recommend that you pass yourself. At least give yourself a month or two to work you way through the list of African American soul food recipes you see below.

There are some awesome African American cooks all around the country who love to get in the kitchen and whip up delicious meals. Are you one of these cooks? If so, look below for a fewAfrican American recipefavorites.

More Soul Food Recipe Favorites

Drink and Southern Beverage

  • Homemade Pink Lemonade
  • Sun Tea
  • Sweet Tea

==> More beverage recipes

Bread, Rolls, and Biscuits

  • Corn Bread
  • Homemade Biscuits
  • Fried Hush Puppies
  • Cinnamon Bread Rolls

==> More rolls and biscuits

Soups and Chili

  • Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
  • Vegetable Soup
  • Cabbage and Chicken Soup
  • Tomato Soup
  • Oxtail Soup

==> More savory homemade soups

Sides

  • Soul Food Macaroni and Cheese
  • Candied Yams
  • Southern Style Potato Salad
  • Herbed Cole Slaw

==> More side dishes

Desserts

  • Soul Food Sweet Potato Pie
  • Soul Food Peach Cobbler
  • Red Velvet Cake
  • Banana Pudding

==> More Soul Food Desserts

Meats

  • Fried Catfish
  • Honey Baked Ham
  • Southern Fried Pork Chops
  • Oven Baked Ribs
  • Chitterlings and Hog Maws
  • Salmon Croquette Patties
  • Liver and Onions
  • Neck Bones and Rice
  • Southern Fried Chicken

==> More meats

Vegetables

  • Collard Greens
  • StuffedBell Peppers
  • Boiled Cabbage
  • Buttered Mashed Potatoes
  • Creamed Corn

==> More vegetable recipes

Beans

  • Blackeyed Peas
  • Lima Beans
  • Pinto Beans
  • Red Beans and Rice

==> More Beans and Legumes

Traditional Soul Food Cooking Methods

There are several traditional techniques that make up soul food cooking methods, including:

  1. Slow-cooking: Many soul food dishes are cooked low and slow to allow the flavors to meld together and create a rich, savory taste.
  2. Frying: Deep-frying is a popular technique for preparing chicken, fish, and other meats in soul food cuisine. The crispy exterior contrasts with the juicy meat inside.
  3. Braising: This involves searing meat on high heat then simmering it in liquid for an extended period of time to produce tender and flavorful results.
  4. Seasoning: Soul food relies heavily on seasoning blends like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and other spices to add depth of flavor.
  5. Using animal fats: Lard or bacon grease is often used in cooking instead of vegetable oil or butter as it adds richness to the dish.

These techniques have been passed down through generations and continue to be an integral part of soul food cooking today.

Well that should be enoughsoul food recipes to keep you busy in the kitchen for a little while. Be sure visit us again because we add new southern cooking recipes all the time.

This soul food recipes page is a celebration of the rich history and culture of African American cuisine. By sharing these favorite recipes, I am preserving important traditions and helping to keep them alive for future generations to enjoy.

Not only is soul food delicious, but it also has a deep connection to the African American experience in the United States. By exploring the unique flavors and techniques that make up this style of cooking, visitors to this page can gain a greater appreciation for the resilience and creativity of enslaved people who created these dishes out of necessity.

This page serves as an important resource for anyone looking to learn more about African American soul food or wanting to try their hand at making some classic dishes themselves. Whether it's fried chicken, collard greens or macaroni and cheese, our recipes offer something for everyone to savor and enjoy.

African American Soul Food Recipes - Soul Food and Southern Cooking (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between soul food and Southern cooking? ›

Trying to differentiate soul food from Southern food shouldn't be complicated. While not all Southern food is considered soul food, all soul food is definitely Southern. Soul food is an ethnic cuisine traditionally prepared and eaten by African-Americans in the Southern United States.

What are five examples of foods dishes popular in African American cuisine that are of African origin? ›

Jambalaya (mixed rice, meat and vegetables), feijoada (black beans and meat), gombo(okra), and hopping johns (peas) are all dishes that have been re-adapted from Senegal, Nigeria, Guinea and Benin. You will find variations of these dishes in America and the Caribbean region.

What sets soul food apart from Southern food? ›

To put it bluntly, to me, soul food means food popularized by black slaves in the US and/or their ancestors. Southern cooking encompasses that, by definition, but can also include things like cajun, Spanish/Louisiana Creole, central Texas BBQ and so on.

Is Southern food black or white? ›

Enslaved people used these foods to make and adapt traditional African recipes with what they were given. These recipes later became known as today's soul food. “One of the first things that I say in Southern food studies, maybe a bit provocatively, is that Southern food is Black food.

What is the style of Southern cooking? ›

The multicultural and diverse history of the South influences the various cuisines. Some popular cooking styles include Cajun, Creole, Floribbean, Gullah, Low Country, and Soul Food.

Who is the queen of soul food cooking? ›

Sylvia Woods (February 2, 1926 – July 19, 2012) was an American restaurateur who founded the restaurant Sylvia's in Harlem on Lenox Avenue, New York City with her husband, Herbert Woods, in 1962.

What is traditional black soul food? ›

Some essential soul food dishes include collard greens, Southern-fried catfish, red beans and rice, buttermilk biscuits, and macaroni and cheese. Popular soul food desserts include peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, pecan pie, and banana pudding.

Is soul food Southern or black? ›

Soul food originated in the southern region of the US and is consumed by African-Americans across the nation.

What did slaves eat for dinner? ›

Sometimes a portion of our family would eat out of the skillet or pot, while someone else would eat from a tin plate held on the knees using nothing but hands…to hold the food.” The usual diet for slaves was cornbread and pork.

What kind of food did slaves eat? ›

The standard rations enslaved people received were cornmeal and salted fish, which they harvested themselves. These monotonous rations provided protein and carbohydrates but lacked essential nutrients and were not always sufficient for the demands of daily work.

What are typical soul food dishes? ›

28 Authentic Soul Food Recipes From The Queen of Soul Food...
  • Mac and Cheese is my ultimate favorite. ...
  • Collard Greens are a staple of Soul Food Cuisine. ...
  • Fried Cabbage is another one of my favorites. ...
  • Shrimp and grits is a classic soul food dish that is usually served for breakfast or brunch.
Aug 18, 2023

What is the slang soul food? ›

soul food in American English

US. Informal. items of food popular originally in the South, esp. among African-Americans, such as chitterlings, ham hocks, yams, corn bread, and collard greens.

What is soul food comfort food? ›

Often referred to as “country cooking,” or “comfort food,” traditional Southern food includes dishes such as fried chicken, collard greens, field peas, cornbread, sweet potato pie, peach cobbler and more. “Southern food is all about utilizing what is available to you, what is in season.

What according to Miller is the difference between southern food and soul food? ›

“'Soul music' came first, and then 'soul brothers,' 'soul sister' and 'soul food,'” Miller said. Miller believes the difference between what is known as Southern and soul has emerged over time but thinks it's in the cooking, too. “Some key differences are that soul food tends to be more highly seasoned,” he said.

What makes southern food different? ›

Southern style cooking uses the “unwanted” pieces of pork or beef as or part of the main dishes. A lot of the cooking is fried but is absolutely delicious and most flavor filled. Greens with hamhocks, cornbread, fried chicken, pecan pie, banana pudding and peach cobbler…is what dreams are made of.

What is considered southern food? ›

A TASTE OF THE SOUTH
  • Classic Pound Cake. Pound cakes are as Southern as it gets! ...
  • Soul Food Collard Greens. Collard greens did not originate from the South. ...
  • Baked Candied Yams. ...
  • Southern Sweet Potato Pie. ...
  • Southern- Style Grits. ...
  • Southern Cornbread. ...
  • Southern Pecan Pie. ...
  • Fried Green Tomatoes.

What classifies as soul food? ›

Soul food is basic, down-home cooking with its roots in the rural South. The staples of soul food cooking are beans, greens, cornmeal (used in cornbread, hush puppies, and johnnycakes and as a coating for fried fish), and pork. Pork has an almost limitless number of uses in soul food.

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