Southern style tamales are a beloved staple in Southern cuisine, often enjoyed at family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and special occasions. These flavorful bundles of corn dough wrapped in corn husks are both delicious and steeped in tradition. While the process of making tamales may seem daunting, with a little practice and patience, you can create a batch of authentic and mouth-watering southern style tamales in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
This classic Southern dish is a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. The combination of crispy cornbread and juicy chicken is a match made in heaven. To make this dish, mix together some cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together some buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and pour the batter into a greased cast iron skillet. Place your beer can chicken on top of the batter and bake in the oven until the chicken is cooked through and the cornbread is golden brown.
This Southern classic is a comfort food staple. To make this dish, start by browning some chicken pieces in a skillet. In the same skillet, sauté some onions, bell peppers, and celery until they are softened. Add in some diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and spices, then place the chicken back in the skillet. Cover and let cook until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened. Serve this smothered chicken over rice for a delicious and filling meal.
Collard greens are a popular side dish in the South, and for good reason. They are loaded with flavor and nutrients. To make this dish, start by boiling some chicken broth in a pot. Add in some diced bacon, onions, and garlic, then stir in your collard greens. Let the greens cook until they are wilted and tender. For added flavor, you can also throw in some diced ham or smoked turkey. This dish pairs perfectly with a crispy beer can chicken.
Looking for a tasty side dish to go with your beer can chicken? This Southern cornbread dressing is the perfect choice. Start by making a batch of cornbread, then crumble it up into a large bowl. In a skillet, sauté some onions, celery, and bell peppers until they are softened. Add in some chicken broth, sage, and thyme, then pour the mixture over the crumbled cornbread. Mix everything together and bake in the oven until the top is golden brown.
Oxtails are a popular dish in Southern cuisine, and when paired with beer can chicken, it makes for a delicious meal. To make this dish, start by browning the oxtails in a skillet. In the same skillet, sauté some onions, bell peppers, and garlic until they are softened. Add in some beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, then let the oxtails simmer until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. Serve with your beer can chicken for a tasty and hearty meal.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of flaky, buttery biscuits. To make these classic biscuits, mix together some flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in some cold butter, then mix in some buttermilk until the dough comes together. Roll out the dough and cut out your biscuits, then bake until they are golden brown and delicious. Serve these biscuits alongside your beer can chicken for the ultimate comfort food feast.
Southern-style mac and cheese is a cheesy and indulgent side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. To make this dish, start by cooking some macaroni noodles according to the package instructions. In a saucepan, melt some butter and whisk in some flour to make a roux. Slowly pour in some milk, then stir in some shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and creamy. Mix in the cooked macaroni and pour the mixture into a baking dish. Top with some more cheese and bake until the top is golden and bubbly.
If you're looking for a more decadent version of mac and cheese, this Southern baked mac and cheese recipe is for you. Instead of a stovetop cheese sauce, this recipe calls for a cream cheese and sour cream mixture, along with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. The result is a rich and creamy mac and cheese that will pair perfectly with your beer can chicken.
For a sweet and nutty dessert that will satisfy your cravings, try these Southern pecan pie bars. Start by making a buttery shortbread crust, then mix together some eggs, corn syrup, sugar, and vanilla extract for the filling. Stir in some chopped pecans and pour the mixture over the crust. Bake until the filling is set, then let cool before cutting into bars and serving alongside your beer can chicken.
If you're a fan of classic Southern cuisine, you can't go wrong with a side of collard greens. To make this dish, start by boiling some chicken broth in a pot. Add in some diced bacon, onions, and garlic, then stir in your collard greens. Let the greens cook until they are wilted and tender. For added flavor, you can also throw in some diced ham or smoked turkey. This dish pairs perfectly with a crispy beer can chicken.
For a sweet and fruity dessert that will impress your guests, try this Southern peach cobbler recipe. Start by mixing together some flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Cut in some cold butter, then mix in some buttermilk until the dough comes together. In a separate bowl, mix together some sliced peaches, sugar, and spices. Pour the peach mixture into a baking dish, then top with the dough. Bake until the topping is golden brown and crispy, then serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pimento cheese is a classic Southern spread that is perfect for snacking on while you wait for your beer can chicken to cook. To make this simple and delicious spread, mix together some shredded cheddar cheese, diced pimentos, mayonnaise, and spices. Serve with crackers or veggies for a tasty appetizer.
Cabbage may not be the most exciting vegetable, but when cooked Southern-style, it becomes a flavorful and satisfying side dish. To make this dish, start by sautéing some onions, bell peppers, and garlic in a skillet. Add in some shredded cabbage and cook until it is tender. For added flavor, you can also add in some diced bacon or smoked sausage.
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine and is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. This simple recipe calls for just a few ingredients – cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Mix everything together and bake in a cast iron skillet until the cornbread is golden and crispy.
This rich and flavorful gravy is a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. To make this dish, start by browning some breakfast sausage in a skillet. Sprinkle in some flour and cook until it is slightly browned. Slowly pour in some milk, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens. Serve over biscuits or mashed potatoes for a hearty and delicious meal.
Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish that is often served with fried seafood, but they also pair well with beer can chicken. To make this dish, mix together some cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and spices in a bowl. Stir in some buttermilk and an egg, then drop spoonfuls of the batter into hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy.
If you're looking for a tasty and comforting side dish, try this Southern squash casserole. Start by sautéing some onions, bell peppers, and garlic in a skillet. Add in some sliced squash and cook until it is tender. In a separate bowl, mix together some sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and spices. Combine the squash and cheese mixture, then top with crushed crackers and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
This simple and delicious side dish is a staple in Southern cuisine. To make this dish, start by sautéing some onions and bell peppers in a skillet. Add in some corn kernels and cook until they are tender. For added flavor, you can also mix in some diced bacon or smoked sausage. Serve alongside your beer can chicken for a tasty and filling meal.
This classic Southern dish is a favorite for seafood lovers. To make this dish, start by cooking some grits according to the package instructions. In a separate skillet, sauté some shrimp with onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Add in some diced tomatoes and a splash of cream, then let the mixture simmer until the shrimp is cooked through. Serve the shrimp and sauce over the creamy grits for a delicious and hearty meal.
For a sweet and indulgent side dish, try these Southern baked candied yams. To make this dish, start by boiling some sweet potatoes until they are tender. In a saucepan, melt together some butter, brown sugar, and spices to make a glaze. Slice the sweet potatoes and place them in a baking dish, then pour the glaze over them. Bake until the yams are caramelized and delicious.
The Importance of Tradition in Southern Style Tamales
In the South, tamales are more than just a tasty dish; they hold cultural significance and are deeply rooted in tradition. Traditional southern style tamales are made with corn masa, a dough made from dried corn that has been cooked and soaked in lime water. This process, known as nixtamalization, dates back to the ancient civilizations of Mexico and Central America. It not only enhances the flavor of the corn but also makes the nutrients more readily available for digestion. This traditional method of making tamales has been passed down through generations and is an essential part of southern culture.
The Art of Assembling Tamales
Creating tamales is a labor of love that requires time and attention to detail. The first step is to prepare the filling, which can vary from savory meats, such as pork or chicken, to vegetarian options like beans and vegetables. The key to a flavorful filling is using fresh and high-quality ingredients and taking the time to properly season and cook them.
Next comes the assembly process, which involves spreading a thin layer of corn masa on a corn husk, adding the filling, and then carefully rolling and folding the husk to create a sealed package. This step may take some practice, but with a little patience, you will soon perfect the art of assembling tamales.
The Secret is in the Steaming
After the tamales are assembled, they are steamed to perfection. Steam is the key to creating tender and moist tamales, so it's essential to have a large pot and a steamer basket or rack. The tamales are stacked in the pot and steamed for about an hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the corn masa to cook through.
Once the tamales are cooked, they can be served hot, straight from the steamer, or they can be cooled and reheated later. Some southerners even believe that the flavor of tamales is enhanced the next day, making them an excellent make-ahead dish for gatherings and events.
In conclusion, making southern style tamales is a labor of love that requires patience, attention to detail, and a respect for tradition. With this recipe, you can create tamales that are not only delicious but also honor the cultural significance of this beloved dish. So gather your ingredients, put on some good music, and get ready to experience the joy of making and sharing southern style tamales with your loved ones.
