Soul food is heavily steeped in tradition and originated in the humble kitchens of enslaved African-Americans who cooked from a single pot. They would take cheap, unappealing cuts of meat and transform them into delicious meals, pouring their hearts and soul into every dish.
Now soul food has evolved with more delicious ingredients, but the basis of cooking with love remains the same! So, if you're ready to feed your soul AND your stomach, these recipes are just the thing!
1. Best-Ever Fried Chicken
We don't know what it is, but something about fried chicken and summer just goes together. So, why not fry up some of the best-ever fried chicken to make your soul sing with every bite? Not only will this recipe taste good, but it'll also give you some deep-frying tips you didn't know you were missing!
2. Honey Biscuits Recipe
What's soul food without a side of biscuits? Exactly! And these honey biscuits will sweeten any meal but don't worry; they're not too sweet — they're just right!
3. Cornbread-Coated Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Wedges
Mac & cheese put together with pulled pork? If that's wrong, we don't want to be right! These cornbread-coated pulled pork mac & cheese wedges take two BBQ favorites and create something new and delicious. Just give yourself plenty of time to make it; the recipe will take over an hour!
Pro Tip: If you freeze the leftover mac and cheese and pork, slicing them will be easier!
4. Vibrant Black-Eyed Pea Salad
Whether for a picnic, potluck, or just a typical dinner at home, you can't go wrong with this vibrant black-eyed pea salad — it's straight out of the South! The combination of black-eyed peas, grape tomatoes, yellow and red peppers, onions, celery, and basil create a nutrient-rich packed salad everyone can get behind. Add the homemade dressing, and this recipe is definitely a fan favorite!
5. Beignets
If you're ready for dessert, you can't go wrong with this beignets recipe. This powder-covered treat has a deep history in the French Quarter, all the way back to 1862, and its deliciousness hasn't faded one bit! But be warned; this recipe takes precise fryer expertise!
6. Quick Cream of Mushroom Soup
Sure, you could always buy canned cream of mushroom soup, but does it taste as good as this quicker, creamier mushroom soup? We highly doubt it. Not only can you use this soup as a base in other recipes, but it's still a soothing, fulfilling meal by itself! And the best thing is that it only takes 30 minutes to make!
7. Pimento Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes
You can't go wrong with baked potatoes — they'll fill your soul anytime. But these pimento cheese twice baked potatoes will have you thinking twice about having ordinary baked potatoes for dinner. The sharp cheddar and red peppers add an extra kick you never knew you were missing!
8. Speedy Shepherd's Pie
Is there anything that says comfort food quite like a shepherd's pie? We think this speedy shepherd's pie recipe comes close with its mix of cheddar cheese, mashed potatoes, and ground beef. And what takes the cake (or should we say pie?) is that the recipe is flexible, so if you have extra ingredients you want to throw in — go ahead!
9. Skillet Mac & Cheese
Although macaroni and cheese originated in Europe, it's still a classic soul food side dish that everyone can get behind. And this skillet mac & cheese is no exception, with its creamy base and choice toppings! Kids and adults alike will be scrambling for seconds!
10. Southern-Style Slaw with Pecans and Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette
Did you know coleslaw is a keto dish and a soul food staple? Who knew, right? But if you like your slaw both crunchy and refreshing, then this southern-style slaw is just the thing. The pecans add the crunch, while the mixture of maple and Dijon as the dressing gives it that refreshing flavor you didn't see coming. Now you won't be able to make it any other way!
11. Coconut-Bourbon Sweet Potatoes
Even if you're not a sweet potato lover, you'll get behind these coconut-bourbon sweet potatoes! The coconut, bourbon, and other spices are a mixture you didn't know you were missing! And the best part is that the recipe makes up to 14 servings!
12. Savory Grits with Slow-Cooked Collard Greens (from Afro-Vegan)
Any southern food lover will tell you that grits and collard greens are a must-have with every meal, but what if you combine them into one dish? Then you have soul food magic — and that's what this savory grits and slow-cooked collard greens recipe is all about! But be careful; this recipe takes over an hour to make (and requires multiple pots)!
13. Chicken and Okra Gumbo
Get ready to astonish your taste buds with this chicken and okra gumbo! This Creole dish is full of flavor you can't miss out on. The tender chicken mixed with the rice and thick gumbo base will leave you feeling full all day long!
Food for the Soul!
While there are many recipes you can try to "fill" your soul, you can't go wrong with authentic soul food eats! So, if you're ready to test your Southern cooking skills, try these recipes! But wait — are your cooking appliances up to snuff? You need all your burners and ovens in tip-top shape to master every dish, and that's where Dependable Maytag Home Appliance Center comes in with our wide variety of name-brand appliances!
If you have any questions, call us or stop by! Our team is always happy to help!