16 Southern Living Soul Food Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Apr 22, 2024
Southern living and soul food go hand in hand, with rich and flavorful dishes that have been passed down through generations. From fried chicken and collard greens to peach cobbler and sweet potato pie, this cuisine is deeply rooted in history and culture. But what makes a truly authentic southern living soul food recipe? Let's take a closer look at the key ingredients and techniques that make up this beloved cuisine.
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic Cloves, Green Pepper, Bell Pepper
Collard greens are a staple in soul food cuisine, and they are the perfect side dish to go with your beer can chicken. These hearty greens are typically slow-cooked with smoked meat, like ham hocks or turkey legs, and seasoned with onions, garlic, and a touch of vinegar for that signature tangy flavor. To make the perfect collard greens, be sure to wash them thoroughly and remove the tough stems before cooking. Slowly simmer them in a flavorful broth until they are tender and infused with all the delicious flavors.
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Jalapeno Cheese Grits (Southern Living)
Main Ingredients: Water, Salt, Quaker Quick Grits, Cream Cheese, Crushed
If you're looking for a spicy and cheesy side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, look no further than these Jalapeno Cheese Grits. This recipe from Southern Living takes traditional grits to the next level by adding in diced jalapenos and sharp cheddar cheese for a kick of heat and a burst of flavor. Serve these creamy grits alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and satisfying southern meal.
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Southern Soul Food Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Elbow Noodles, Half And Half, Butter, Eggs, Cream
No soul food meal is complete without a side of baked macaroni and cheese. This rich and creamy dish is a comfort food favorite, and it pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. This recipe calls for a combination of sharp cheddar and creamy Velveeta cheese, along with eggs, milk, and butter, for a decadent and delicious mac and cheese that will have your taste buds singing.
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Southern, Soul Food Deviled Eggs
Main Ingredients: Eggs, White Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Dukes Mayonnaise
Deviled eggs are a classic southern appetizer, and they make the perfect addition to your beer can chicken dinner. These deviled eggs are made with a combination of mayonnaise, mustard, and a touch of hot sauce for a creamy and tangy filling. Top them with some crumbled bacon or a sprinkle of paprika for a bit of extra flavor and crunch.
Main Ingredients: Self Rising Cornmeal, Self Rising Flour, Buttermilk
Cornbread dressing is a quintessential southern side dish, and it is a must-have for any beer can chicken feast. This recipe uses homemade cornbread, along with sautéed onions, celery, and plenty of herbs and spices, to create a flavorful and satisfying dressing that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
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Air Fryer Traditional Southern Soul Food Buttermilk...
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Buttermilk, All Purpose Flour
If you're looking for a healthier and easier way to make fried chicken, try using your air fryer! This recipe for traditional southern buttermilk chicken uses the air fryer to create crispy and flavorful chicken without all the oil and mess of traditional frying. Serve this alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and satisfying southern meal.
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Easy Instant Pot Southern-Style Soul Food Green Beans
Main Ingredients: Bacon, White Onion, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Green Beans
Green beans are a classic southern side dish, and this easy instant pot recipe makes them a breeze to prepare. These green beans are seasoned with bacon, onions, and a touch of brown sugar for a sweet and savory dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. Plus, the instant pot makes them a quick and easy addition to any meal.
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Chicken and Waffles | Southern Soul Food
Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenderloin, Water, Kosher Salt, Self Rising
Chicken and waffles may seem like an unusual combination, but in the south, it's a classic dish. The crispy and savory fried chicken pairs perfectly with the sweet and fluffy waffles for a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve this alongside your beer can chicken for a unique and tasty twist on a southern favorite.
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Soul-Food Style Frozen Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Chicken Broth, Apple Cider Vinegar
If you don't have the time to cook collard greens from scratch, frozen collard greens are a great alternative. This recipe takes frozen collard greens and infuses them with all the traditional soul food flavors, including smoked meat, onions, and vinegar. Simply heat them up and serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and easy side dish.
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Southern Candied Yams (Old Fashioned Soul Food)
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Butter, Granulated Sugar, Dark Brown
Candied yams are a sweet and delicious side dish that is a staple in soul food cuisine. This recipe uses sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and plenty of spices to create a flavorful and decadent dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. The best part? You can make these in advance and reheat them when you're ready to serve.
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Southern Collard Greens w/ Smoked Turkey Legs (soul...
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic Cloves
If you want to switch up your collard greens game, try using smoked turkey legs instead of the traditional ham hocks. The smoky flavor of the turkey legs adds a delicious depth of flavor to the greens, and the meat is tender and delicious. Serve this alongside your beer can chicken for a soulful and satisfying meal.
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Easy Peach Cobbler
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking
No southern meal is complete without a delicious peach cobbler for dessert. This easy recipe uses canned peaches and a simple batter to create a sweet and comforting dessert that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate southern treat.
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Southern Style Collard Greens - Soul Food
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Turkey Necks, Yellow Onion, Water
If you're looking for a more traditional collard greens recipe, this is the one for you. This recipe uses smoked ham hocks, onions, and plenty of seasoning to create a flavorful and tender dish that is perfect for pairing with beer can chicken. Be sure to serve it with some hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
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Southern Living Chunky Apple Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Large Eggs, Vanilla Extract, All Purpose
This apple cake from Southern Living is the perfect dessert to serve alongside your beer can chicken. This moist and flavorful cake is loaded with chunks of apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar for a sweet and satisfying treat. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate southern indulgence.
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Southern Mac and Cheese A Soul Food
Main Ingredients: Uncooked Elbow Macaroni, All Purpose Flour, Unsalted
This southern mac and cheese recipe is a bit different from the classic baked version. It uses a combination of elbow macaroni, creamy Velveeta cheese, and plenty of spices to create a rich and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. This is a great option for those who prefer stovetop mac and cheese.
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Freezer Peach Pie
Main Ingredients: Peaches, Granulated Sugar, Cornstarch, Ground Ginger
Another great make-ahead option for dessert is this freezer peach pie. This recipe uses frozen peaches, along with a homemade crust and plenty of spices, to create a delicious and easy dessert that can be made in advance and stored in the freezer until you're ready to serve. Simply thaw and bake when you're ready to enjoy.
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Instant Pot Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper
If you're craving fried chicken but don't want to deal with the mess and hassle of traditional frying, try using your instant pot! This recipe creates crispy and flavorful chicken that is sure to satisfy those southern cravings. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and indulgent meal.
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Shrimp and Grits
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Peanut Oil, Shrimp, Flour, Sliced Mushrooms
Shrimp and grits is a classic southern dish that is perfect for pairing with beer can chicken. This recipe uses creamy and cheesy grits, along with sautéed shrimp and a flavorful bacon gravy, for a delicious and filling meal. This dish is perfect for brunch or dinner and is sure to please everyone at the table.
Pecan pie is a must-have for any southern meal, and this recipe from Southern Living is sure to be a hit. This easy and delicious pie is loaded with pecans and a sweet and gooey filling that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a sweet and indulgent end to your meal.
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Cajun Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Whole Buttermilk, Hot Sauce, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper
If you're looking for a bit of spice and heat to go with your beer can chicken, try making some cajun fried chicken. This recipe uses a combination of cajun spices and buttermilk to create flavorful and delicious chicken that has just the right amount of kick. Serve it with some hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
The Importance of Seasoning in Southern Living Soul Food Recipes
Flavor is King
One of the most important aspects of a southern living soul food recipe is the use of bold and flavorful seasonings. From garlic and onion to cayenne pepper and paprika, these ingredients add depth and complexity to dishes. In fact, many southern cooks have their own secret blend of seasonings that they use in all of their recipes. These unique blends are what give each dish its distinct taste and make them stand out from others.
Fresh is Best
In addition to using the right seasonings, it's also important to use fresh ingredients in southern living soul food recipes. This means opting for fresh herbs over dried ones and using fresh produce whenever possible. Not only does this enhance the overall flavor of the dish, but it also adds a level of authenticity and tradition to the recipe. Many southern living soul food recipes have been passed down for generations, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients from the region.
The Art of Slow Cooking
Patience is Key
Another key element of southern living soul food recipes is the art of slow cooking. Many dishes, such as collard greens and black-eyed peas, require long cooking times to develop their full flavor. This technique not only allows the flavors to meld together, but it also creates a comforting and homey feel to the dish. Slow cooking is a way of life in the south, where meals are often prepared with love and care over several hours.
One Pot Wonders
In traditional southern cooking, one-pot dishes are a staple. These meals are often cooked in large cast-iron pots or dutch ovens, allowing all of the flavors to come together in one dish. This not only makes for easy cleanup, but it also adds to the communal aspect of southern living soul food. These dishes are meant to be shared and enjoyed with friends and family, bringing everyone together around the table.
The Legacy of Southern Living Soul Food Recipes
A Taste of History
Southern living soul food recipes are not just about the food itself, but also about the history and culture that they represent. Many of these dishes originated from the cooking traditions of African slaves in the southern United States, using ingredients that were readily available to them. Today, these recipes are a way to honor and preserve this rich heritage, passing down family recipes and keeping the tradition alive.
Bringing People Together
One of the most beautiful aspects of southern living soul food is its ability to bring people together. Whether it's a family gathering or a neighborhood cookout, food is often the centerpiece of social gatherings in the south. And with the flavorful and comforting dishes that make up southern living soul food, it's no wonder that this cuisine has become a symbol of love, community, and togetherness.
In Conclusion
Southern living soul food recipes are more than just a collection of ingredients and cooking techniques. They represent a way of life and a deep connection to history and tradition. By using the right seasonings, fresh ingredients, and slow cooking methods, these recipes create dishes that are not only delicious but also meaningful. So the next time you sit down to enjoy a plate of southern living soul food, remember the legacy and love that goes into each and every bite.
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