Southern cuisine is known for its bold flavors, hearty dishes, and comforting meals. And there's no dish more quintessentially Southern than a steaming bowl of soup. Whether it's a warm and creamy chowder or a spicy gumbo, soups in the South are a staple in every kitchen. But there's one soup recipe that stands out above the rest – the classic Southern soup recipe.
Hopping John Soup (Black-eyed Pea, Ham, and Collard...
Main Ingredients: Onion, Celery, Olive Oil, Minced Garlic, Ham, Homemade
If you're looking for a delicious and hearty soup that's perfect for cooler weather, look no further than this Hopping John Soup recipe. Made with black-eyed peas, ham, and collard greens, this Southern-inspired dish is packed with flavor and nutrients. The black-eyed peas provide a good source of protein and fiber, while the collard greens add a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. And let's not forget about the smoky, salty flavor from the ham that ties it all together.
Black-eyed peas are a staple in Southern cuisine, and for good reason. Not only are they delicious, but they also hold a lot of cultural significance. In the South, black-eyed peas are traditionally eaten on New Year's Day for good luck and prosperity in the coming year. But you don't have to wait until January 1st to enjoy these tasty legumes. This recipe for Southern Black-eyed Peas is simple and easy to make, and can be enjoyed any time of the year.
Chicken and dumplings is a classic Southern comfort food dish that is sure to warm your soul. This recipe is made with juicy chicken, tender vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, all cooked in a savory broth. It's the perfect dish for a cozy night in or to serve at a family gathering. The secret to this dish is the slow cooking process, which allows the flavors to develop and the chicken to become incredibly tender.
Cabbage is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that is often overlooked in cooking. But in this Southern-style soup, cabbage takes center stage and shines. This recipe combines shredded cabbage with other vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a flavorful and healthy soup. It's perfect for those trying to incorporate more veggies into their diet, and it's also gluten-free and low in calories.
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Southern Chicken and Corn Chowder
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Olive Oil, Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic
Chowder is a thick and creamy soup that is typically made with seafood, but this Southern version switches things up by using chicken and corn as the star ingredients. This hearty and satisfying soup is packed with corn, chicken, potatoes, and bacon, making it a complete meal in a bowl. Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping and you've got yourself a delicious and comforting meal.
Brunswick Stew is a classic Southern dish that originated in Brunswick County, Virginia. It's a hearty and flavorful stew made with a combination of chicken, pork, and vegetables. This recipe stays true to its Southern roots by including okra, a staple vegetable in Southern cooking. The result is a thick and hearty stew that is perfect for a chilly evening.
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Southern Succotash Stew
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Baby Lima Beans, Vegetables, Okra, Green
Succotash is a classic Southern dish made with corn, lima beans, and other vegetables. But in this recipe, we take things a step further by turning it into a hearty and flavorful stew. Along with the traditional ingredients, this stew also includes chicken and bacon for added protein and flavor. Serve it over rice or with some crusty bread for a delicious and filling meal.
Peanut soup may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Southern cuisine, but it's a traditional dish in some parts of the South, particularly in Virginia. This soup is made with peanut butter, chicken, and vegetables, and is flavored with spices like cumin and coriander. It's a unique and delicious soup that is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
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Easy Chicken and Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Stock, Carrots, Yellow Onion, Celery
If you love chicken and dumplings but don't have the time or patience to make it from scratch, this recipe is for you. It's a simple and easy version of the classic dish that still packs all the flavor and comfort of the original. The secret? Using store-bought rotisserie chicken and pre-made biscuit dough. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting and delicious meal without all the fuss.
Sweet potatoes are a staple in Southern cooking, and they make a delicious and nutritious base for a soup. This recipe for Southern Sweet Potato Soup combines the sweetness of the potatoes with savory ingredients like bacon and onion to create a perfectly balanced and flavorful soup. It's also gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
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Chicken and Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Water, Celery, Carrot, Onion, Chicken Bouillon
Chicken and dumplings is a dish that has been passed down through generations in Southern families. It's a simple but comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe uses homemade dumplings that are light and fluffy, and pairs them with a savory chicken and vegetable broth. It's a timeless dish that will never go out of style.
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Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Butter, Cream Of
For those busy days when you don't have time to stand over a stove, this crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe is a lifesaver. Simply throw all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do all the work. The result is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for a cold day. And the best part? The aroma of this dish will fill your house all day long, making it feel even more cozy and inviting.
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Southern Virginia Sweet Potato Soup
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Broth, Worcestershire Sauce
This recipe for Southern Virginia Sweet Potato Soup is another delicious way to enjoy sweet potatoes in a soup. This version is made with sweet potatoes, carrots, and apples for a slightly sweet and tangy flavor. It's also vegan and dairy-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Serve it with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
This traditional recipe for Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings is pure comfort in a bowl. It's made with chicken, vegetables, and homemade dumplings, all cooked in a rich and flavorful broth. This dish may take a little more time and effort, but it's definitely worth it. Serve it on a chilly evening and your family and friends will be begging for seconds.
Pinto beans are a staple in Southern cooking and are often served as a side dish. But in this recipe, they take center stage and become the star of the show. These Southern Pinto Beans are slow-cooked with ham hocks, onions, and other seasonings to create a rich and flavorful dish. They're perfect served with some cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Southern Inspired Greens, Beans & Ham Soup
Main Ingredients: Cubed Ham, Beans, Mustard Greens, Collard Greens
This hearty and nutritious soup is inspired by the flavors of the South. It combines collard greens, black-eyed peas, and ham to create a delicious and filling meal. The collard greens add a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, while the black-eyed peas provide protein and fiber. And the smoky flavor from the ham adds a delicious depth to the dish.
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Southern Kidney Bean and Andouille Soup
Main Ingredients: Red Kidney Beans, Smoked Ham Hock, Pork Neck Bones
This Southern-inspired soup is packed with kidney beans, andouille sausage, and vegetables, making it a delicious and hearty meal. The andouille sausage adds a spicy kick, while the beans and veggies provide a good source of protein and nutrients. This soup is perfect for a chilly day when you need something warm and comforting.
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Slow-Cooker Southern Black-Eyed Pea Soup
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Onions, Garlic, Cajun Seasoning, Chicken
If you love black-eyed peas but don't have the time or energy to cook them from scratch, this slow-cooker recipe is for you. Simply throw all the ingredients into your crockpot and let it do all the work. The result is a delicious and flavorful soup that is perfect for a busy weeknight. Serve it with some crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal.
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Brunswick Stew
Main Ingredients: Shredded Cooked Pork, Frozen Corn Kernels, Baby Lima
This Brunswick Stew recipe stays true to its Southern roots with a combination of pork, chicken, and vegetables. It's a thick and hearty stew that is perfect for a chilly evening. And the best part? This recipe makes a big batch, so you can enjoy it for dinner and have leftovers for lunch the next day. It's a win-win!
For a unique twist on the traditional Southern stew, try this recipe for Southern Salmon Stew. This dish combines salmon, potatoes, and corn in a flavorful broth that is sure to please. It's a great way to incorporate more seafood into your diet, and it's also low in calories and high in protein. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Unpacking the ingredients
When it comes to making a traditional Southern soup, the key is in the ingredients. And the first ingredient that comes to mind is okra. This green, pod-shaped vegetable is a staple in Southern cooking, lending its unique texture and flavor to dishes like gumbo and creole soup. Other essential ingredients in a Southern soup recipe include andouille sausage, shrimp, collard greens, and black-eyed peas. These ingredients not only add depth and flavor to the soup but also reflect the rich cultural influences that make up Southern cuisine.
The art of simmering
One of the reasons why Southern soups are so delicious is because of the cooking process. Soups are typically simmered for hours, allowing all the flavors to meld together and create a rich and hearty broth. The slow cooking also allows the ingredients to become tender and melt-in-your-mouth, making each spoonful of the soup a comforting and satisfying experience.
Making it your own
While there may be a traditional Southern soup recipe, each cook adds their own personal touch to make it their own. Some may add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick, while others may opt for a squeeze of lemon juice to add a tangy twist. The beauty of Southern cooking is that it's all about making it your own and adding your own unique flavor to the dish.
In conclusion, a classic Southern soup recipe is more than just a bowl of soup – it's a representation of the rich history, culture, and flavors of the South. So next time you're looking for a comforting and hearty meal, try your hand at making a Southern soup and savor the flavors of the South.
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