Soul Food

Black History Month '11: Soul Food

Black Eyed Peas & Rice - This legume is a healthy, filling option for meals, especially when combined with rice. Black-eyed peas were found in West Africa and became a Southern staple because they could grow even in extreme drought. They’re believed to bring prosperity when eaten on New Year’s Day.

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Black Eyed Peas & Rice - This legume is a healthy, filling option for meals, especially when combined with rice. Black-eyed peas were found in West Africa and became a Southern staple because they could grow even in extreme drought. They’re believed to bring prosperity when eaten on New Year’s Day.

Fried Chicken - Chicken became a Southern favorite when Africans began dipping parts in flavorful spices, buttermilk, and then hot oil. Slaves were not allowed to raise expensive animals, but could have chickens. This made crispy chicken a delicious and cost-effective option for family gatherings.

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Fried Chicken - Chicken became a Southern favorite when Africans began dipping parts in flavorful spices, buttermilk, and then hot oil. Slaves were not allowed to raise expensive animals, but could have chickens. This made crispy chicken a delicious and cost-effective option for family gatherings.

Cobbler - Cobbler was born in the Deep South and is simply fruit filling covered with pastry dough. Georgia combined the traditional dessert with its state fruit to get the ever-popular peach cobbler. Great versions of this dessert are made with blueberries, cherries, and apples.

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Cobbler - Cobbler was born in the Deep South and is simply fruit filling covered with pastry dough. Georgia combined the traditional dessert with its state fruit to get the ever-popular peach cobbler. Great versions of this dessert are made with blueberries, cherries, and apples.

Cornbread - This simple side dish made with cornmeal was commonly known as johnnycakes or hoecakes because slaves would cook it in a hoe over an open fire. Today this shortbread tradition is often baked in a pan.

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Cornbread - This simple side dish made with cornmeal was commonly known as johnnycakes or hoecakes because slaves would cook it in a hoe over an open fire. Today this shortbread tradition is often baked in a pan.

Chicken & Dumplings - This duo is a cheap, hearty Southern meal that combines flattened dough or dumplings with chicken. The dish is held together by thick gravy formed with the broth of the chicken, milk, and flour.

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Chicken & Dumplings - This duo is a cheap, hearty Southern meal that combines flattened dough or dumplings with chicken. The dish is held together by thick gravy formed with the broth of the chicken, milk, and flour.

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Fish & Grits - People in Southern states love fried fish, served with coleslaw, hush puppies, and French fries. Catfish is one of the most popular dishes in soul food restaurants. Fish and grits is also a well-liked combination for breakfast.

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Fish & Grits - People in Southern states love fried fish, served with coleslaw, hush puppies, and French fries. Catfish is one of the most popular dishes in soul food restaurants. Fish and grits is also a well-liked combination for breakfast.

Southern Style Green Beans - Southern-style green beans are one of soul food’s most popular side dishes. It can be prepared in a variety of ways; in the South the beans are seasoned with meat and cooked until soft and the seasoning is fully absorbed.

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Southern Style Green Beans - Southern-style green beans are one of soul food’s most popular side dishes. It can be prepared in a variety of ways; in the South the beans are seasoned with meat and cooked until soft and the seasoning is fully absorbed.

Greens - Soul greens are usually prepared using pieces of pork for flavor. Collards, mustard, and kale greens were easy for slaves to grow, and they provided a hearty vegetable at dinner. Today it’s healthier to season greens with smoked turkey rather than pork, or not use meat at all.

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Greens - Soul greens are usually prepared using pieces of pork for flavor. Collards, mustard, and kale greens were easy for slaves to grow, and they provided a hearty vegetable at dinner. Today it’s healthier to season greens with smoked turkey rather than pork, or not use meat at all.

Mac-n-Cheese - Macaroni and cheese is thought to be America’s most popular comfort food, and it’s a must-have at any African-American soul food dinner. There are many ways to prepare this dish; the soul food version is more like a baked macaroni-and-cheese “pie.”

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Mac-n-Cheese - Macaroni and cheese is thought to be America’s most popular comfort food, and it’s a must-have at any African-American soul food dinner. There are many ways to prepare this dish; the soul food version is more like a baked macaroni-and-cheese “pie.”

Smothered Pork Chops or Steak - Smothered pork chops are fried and covered in gravy before being baked to tender perfection. Soaking meat in gravy was an easy way for poor Blacks to soften cheap meats, like liver and neck bones.

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Smothered Pork Chops or Steak - Smothered pork chops are fried and covered in gravy before being baked to tender perfection. Soaking meat in gravy was an easy way for poor Blacks to soften cheap meats, like liver and neck bones.

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Mashed Potates & Gravy - Slave owners used “gravy” made of spoiled meat juices and scrapings as filler to pour over rice and grains to feed slaves. This practice resulted in this soul food must-have.

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Mashed Potates & Gravy - Slave owners used “gravy” made of spoiled meat juices and scrapings as filler to pour over rice and grains to feed slaves. This practice resulted in this soul food must-have.

Yams - Yams are native to Africa, but over the years they have been referred to interchangeably as sweet potatoes, despite the differences between the two. Candied yams are the sweet, baked version of this yummy starch.

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Yams - Yams are native to Africa, but over the years they have been referred to interchangeably as sweet potatoes, despite the differences between the two. Candied yams are the sweet, baked version of this yummy starch.