Flavor seekers, this is your favorite flavor-phile, comin’ at ya live with a recipe that’s gonna make your taste buds sing in perfect harmony! We’re talkin’ about old school smothered chicken — a soulful, comforting dish rooted deep in Southern food tradition — but with a funky remix to level thangs up a wee bit. …
Modern Soul Food Recipes
In every culture, we've seen food celebrated and progressed. Soul food with its cheap food and unhealthy associations tends to be the exception. These modern soul food recipes strive to challenge those perceptions and associations, while also honoring tradition.
They are neo-soul remixes of Big Mama's recipes that can be eaten every day including busy weeknights. They are fusion recipes blending traditional soul food ingredients with cuisines and techniques from around the world. Examples could be these braised pork neck bones, smothered green beans, and beef oxtail soup.
Even more so, they are about both elevating and changing the narrative around soul food by offering healthier versions of vegetables (okra, collard greens, cabbage, sweet potatoes, blackeyed peas) that are connected to modern techniques and global flavor trends.
It also serves the purpose of reminding us that soul food is farm to table, i.e. it is rooted in food that is real, vegetable-centric, and local. You will find twists on classics ingredients like roasted watermelon steaks, grilled sweet potatoes, and blistered okra and tomatoes.
You can also get vegan versions of traditional soul food recipes like vegan mac and cheese, vegan collard greens, stewed okra, and blackeyed peas.
As I explore the impact of the Roland 808 drum machine in music, this Cornish hen recipe is inspired by The Pointer Sisters' "Automatic" which aptly describes this recipe. The name is fancy, but the recipe is simple to execute yet highly flavorful and visually appealing. Cornish hens are a much smaller chicken varietal which make them perfect for frying whole. Cinnamon is the star spice/seasoning along with chile powder which gives the dish both its color and complex flavor profile.
Imagine the smooth, soulful vibes of a rhythm and blues classic, now served on your plate. This steakhouse-style creamed spinach gets a bold remix with a touch of curry spice, creating a harmony of velvety richness and warm, earthy notes. It’s like a slow jam for your taste buds—familiar yet surprising, comforting yet daring. Whether …
Well if you’re lookin’ for a dish that’ll take you straight back to Mama’s kitchen, where the smell of slow-cooked goodness filled the air, then you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re fixin’ up a big ol’ pot of Southern smothered cabbage – tender, sweet cabbage cooked down with smoky bacon, onions, and a …
You ain't had Instant Pot collard greens this good before. These are flavored with slow-smoked brisket, maple, vinegar and spices for a tangy, sweet, and spicy dish. The brisket takes this dish from strictly a side to a hearty main dish with brilliant leftover potlikker!
Southern Hoppin’ John gets a remix in this version made with smoked turkey, bringing a fresh twist to a classic soul food dish that hits all the right notes. Just like an old-school hip-hop track, this recipe is all about flavor, rhythm, and soul. Alternatively, you can use spicy sausage to add a different kind …
Get ready to groove with our Smoked and Fried Green Tomatoes paired with a zesty Roasted Red Pepper Sauce! Picture this: crispy fried green tomatoes, tangy and kissed by smoke, fried to golden perfection, all while funky basslines play in the background. The smoky depth meets the crunch in a harmonious dance, and then the …
Here is a vegan Caribbean cauliflower curry you’ll be proud to serve your family and/or guests. It’s simple and easy enough to make for a weeknight meal but flavorful enough for special occasions.
These Southern candied yams are cooked in a flavorful spiced syrup that will provide you with an amazing mouth experience and make your guests love it. It is just one of those soul food dishes where everything comes together so well, from the warm spices to how sweet potatoes can take on some flavors while …
Simple, versatile, and tangy is how I'd describe this collard greens slaw recipe. It's one that was made up on the spot, but inspired by two true pioneers. At a time when everyone seems to have an opinion about whether Lebron James has surpassed Michael Jordan, I thought I'd cross you up and talk about the unsung, little known pioneers and greats of Hockey. Most don't know of Willie O'ree who integrated the NHL in the 50s or of Grant Fuhr the greatest goalie in the history of the league who is also the first black player to win the Stanley Cup and enter the Hall of Fame. These were pioneers who inspired me to be comfortable going against the grain whenever. My collard greens purist will probably roll their eyes at the idea of adding feta cheese to greens; In the immortal words of Tupac, "I ain't mad atcha!"
Trying to figure out what greens to cook, pick a few different ones and cook a whole mess o' greens together Southern style with some smoked ham hocks. Related Greens Recipes Post: Today, we're diving into the heart of Southern comfort with a recipe for "Mess o' Greens" that's sure to make your taste buds …
In the pulsating realm of culinary beats, where flavors sync with rhythm, let the ethereal vibrations of techno guide us to a dish that transcends the ordinary—the hypnotic world of Creamed Cabbage. Picture the dancefloor of your palate illuminated with the neon glow of velvety cabbage swaying to the relentless pulse of creaminess. As the …
Related Beans Posts: Hey, my fellow flavor-philes! Picture this – a soulful mix of flavors slow-cooking in harmony, giving birth to a classic that's stood the test of time: Homemade Pork and Beans. We're talkin' about a dish that's more than just a meal; it's a journey, a culinary tale of love, warmth, and downright …
Related Fried Chicken Posts: Do you want crispy fried chicken that's as flavorful on the inside as it is on the outside? Then you're gonna love these butterfly chicken drumsticks. Oh, but I've got a special melody for your taste buds tonight. Imagine this: tender chicken legs, butterflied and fried until they hit just the …
Seafood or shrimp stews are common in regions like the deep South where you may find delicious stews flavored with cajun seasoning, bell pepper, and crushed tomatoes. But in my version, I went for a totally different flavor profile and I added elements of the Caribbean. So welcome to a culinary journey through the vibrant …
What’s up my peeps! Today, we bring you a dish that dances between the gentle embrace of a perfectly pan-fried cod and the vibrant flavors of an aromatic curry crust. Picture this: succulent flakes of cod enveloped in a golden crust, tantalizing your senses with every crispy bite. This pan-fried cod with curry crust is …
You’re invited to indulge in the comforting embrace of Southern style collard greens infused with smoky bacon goodness, perfectly complemented by the emotional depth and soulful vibes of Ndegeocello’s music. This soul food dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also soothes your soul, creating a dining experience that is both nourishing and deeply …
Related Posts: If you’re looking for a vegan alternative to the classic mac and cheese that still packs on flavor, then this recipe is tailored just for you! This Vegan mac and cheese is a delicious plant-based twist on the classic comfort food. Not only are all of the ingredients used in this vegan version …
Related Bean Recipes Pinto Beans and Brisket Ham Hock and Beans Southern Pinto Beans Are you a person who loves cooking and experimenting with different flavors in the kitchen? If so, this slow cooked pinto beans with ground beef recipe is for you! There's nothing quite like the taste and texture of soft, savory pinto …
Do you love tender yet crispy veggies? If so, then you’ve come to the right place! Today, I am going to show you how simple and easy it is to make air fryer green beans with a tangy lemon pepper sauce. Not only can this delicious side dish be made in minutes, but it will …
Do you ever feel like your dinner recipes are stuck in a rut? Seafood pasta is the perfect solution, and when it's as easy to make as this simple seafood pasta dish, why not add it to your weeknight dinner rotation? This simple seafood pasta recipe features one of my favorite fish for seafood flavors …
Yo, what's up world my fellow flavor-philes! I'm about to take you on a flavorful journey to the heart of New Orleans with a recipe that's as soulful as an old school hip hop beat – Gumbo Z'herbes. We're talking about a blended beat of greens, herbs, and spices coming together in a pot, creating …
I’m not saying this is the best Cornish hen recipe ever, but these smoked cornish hens are basically next level “herb chicken!” These little birds get top-notch treatment; they’re dry brined, marinated, smoked and then fried for both internal juiciness and external crispiness. Most recipes for smoke cornish hens involve pieces of the hen, but I prefer to smoke the entire …
Related Posts If you're looking for a delicious seafood dinner, grilled mahi mahi is where it's at! This lean white fish is flavorful and easy to grill up, making it the perfect meal when you're short on time. Absolutely delicious! And don't forget to season your mahi mahi generously before tossing it on the grill. …
Growing up in the South, tea has always meant iced tea and not the hot stuff they drink in England. So yo, gather 'round, y'all, 'cause we're about to dive into a Southern sweet tea experience that's as smooth as the groove of a "New Jack Swing" track. Picture this: golden sunlight, a porch swing …
When the weather starts to cool down, there's nothing like a warm bowl of soup to help you feel comfortable. This shrimp and corn chowder recipe is perfect for fall, and it's easy to make. I love shrimp soups and chowders of any kind pretty much. You'll love how flavorful and hearty this soup is. …
Winter is officially here which means colder weather, holiday cheer, and of course lots of delicious soup! This soul food packed beef oxtail soup recipe is perfect for those chilled winter days. It's hearty, warming, and loaded with flavor. Plus, it's really easy to make so you can have a delicious home-made meal without spending …
Looking for an easy coconut fish recipe for dinner tonight? This island-inspired braised red snapper in coconut sauce (Pescado en Coco) is perfect! Red snapper fillets are slowly braised and basted in a creamy coconut sauce, then served with white rice. It's an easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love. Red snapper is …
Have you ever tried a vegan fried chicken sandwich? No, I'm not talking about that whack version from the grocery store frozen food section. I'm talking about a delicious, made-from-scratch vegan fried chicken sandwich with that classic fried chicken vibe. Vegetables make for good fried foods too! Our deep fried vegan chicken sandwich is crispy, …
Crispy roasted okra is one of my new favorite veggies. Its a no-fuss, delicious side that is ready in less than 30 minutes. Down here in Texas we're lucky to still be able to get fresh okra locally. If you're fortunate enough as well this is a great side you can add that will free you up to focus on other dishes. Many people fear okra because of the slime. Don't fear the slime, as a matter of fact, follow the great Nelson Mandela's words and don't fear anything - "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." I recently discovered the musician Mimi. She is an incredibly inspiring and brave artist. Check out her song "Afraid" as an example of her talent and testimony.
These instant pot country-style ribs come out fall-off-the-bone delicious with little effort from the cook. Cuban-inspired flavors set these off so make sure you have plenty of bread on hand to sop up the insatiable sauce. Not only do these ribs have great flavor, but they are also cooked from start to finish in no …
This recipe for baked cod with panko topping is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal the whole family can enjoy. The cod is coated in a crispy panko breadcrumb mixture, then baked until flaky and tender. Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb that's crispy and light. It's perfect for the flakiness of the cod, …
Have you ever cooked collard greens? If not, you're missing out! They are easy to cook and they taste great too! If you know what I'm about, then this blog post won't be a surprise to you. I'll tell you how to cook collard greens in different ways so you can experience their delicious flavor …
Looking for a delicious salad to add to your meal plan? Look no further than this black eyed pea salad with corn! This delicious salad is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Plus, it's got a kick of flavor that everyone will love. So give this recipe a try today! It's the perfect …
Beefy braised oxtail cooked low and slow in a Mexican chili-based sauce for a comforting and rich Sunday dinner. The sauce is deeply flavorful and complex with a mild heat and earthy character similar to a mole. Beef oxtail is big in Southern households as well as Asian and Caribbean cultures. A slow braise in …
Cabbage is one of my favorite comfort foods and it pairs with pretty much any other food. This cabbage stew recipe is hearty, flavorful, and straight-up fun to eat. You do a recipe search for cabbage stew and you'd be hard-pressed to find two similar recipes. That's because cabbage works with everything. When I'm hungry, …
There ain't nothing more comforting than a big pot of creamy navy beans and ham! These are slowly simmered into a rich, deeply flavored bowl of Southern comfort. This is a very simple soul food recipe. It comes down to two ingredients plus a few add ons playing a supporting role. It's proof that humble …
A smashed cucumber salad makes your regular cucumber salad seem boring and basic as hell. There is room to level up pretty much anything. Cucumber salad is no exception. Texture matters in any dish in my humble opinion. Taste definitely prevails as #1 driver of food eating experience, but texture is not far behind and …
Checkout this dope collard greens dish that harmonizes flavors and melodies with our Smoky Southern Style Vegan Collard Greens recipe, perfectly paired with Spandau Ballet's iconic song "True." Dive into a world of soulful greens infused with smoky goodness, reminiscent of Southern comfort and heartwarming melodies. This recipe brings together vibrant collard greens, aromatic spices, …
Smothered pork chops: tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. A classic comfort food favorite that satisfies the soul with every bite. Related Pork Chop Posts: Might just be the best Southern smothered pork chop recipe you'll taste ever! They have flavor at every level thanks to the tasty brine and creamy, tangy onion gravy making …