Try this West African inspired peanut sauce. It's simple, versatile, and delicious. You'd be surprised at all the different foods you can pair it with; from shrimp and chicken to vegetables like cauliflower, mushrooms, and cabbage.
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Nothing like a quick and easy side dish with incredible complex flavor. This blanched spinach salad is simple, unique, and everyday! Put it on your weeknight menu in less than 10 minutes.
Fried bologna sandwiches were a staple of my childhood, and I'm sure for many it still is. I refer to it as a "hood classic" as every kid from the hood has a story and a recipe version for bologna sandwiches. Though a humble sandwich made with basic ingredients, it along with other humble dishes have played a significant role in Black History as a means of survival, show of resourcefulness, and example of innovation. My grandparents told me stories of The Negro Motorist Green Book which was essentially a guide for black road trippers to find safe havens in the form of restaurants, gas stations, and hotels given the hatred and related dangers they faced in Jim Crow South. Shoebox lunches were also the norm, and bologna sandwiches were prominent in these pack lunches which were brought along for those stretches on the road where you were not likely to find a restaurant that served "coloreds." Enjoy the sandwich and learn a lil black history in this post.
One of the things that impressed me most about the Civil Rights Movement and continues to be a source of inspiration for me is the fact that there were so many every day people who contributed. It wasn't just about Dr. King, Julian Bond, and John Lewis, but also the unsung like Georgia Gilmore who went from cafeteria cook to unemployed as the result of the bus boycott to home-cook and entrepreneur who fed and financed the movement. I'm happy to tell her story in this month's post as well as offer up in the immortal words of Outkast's Big Boi - "some fish and grits and all that pimp shit!" Enjoy
February kicks off Black History Month, and I'm excited to be participating in a Virtual Potlock with 27 other food bloggers. My contribution is this Nashville Hot Shrimp Sandwich which is a mashup of Japanese and Southern cultures. Look closely and you'll notice an actual plump shrimp cutlet instead of fried chicken thigh. The fried shrimp is then dipped in a spicy chili oil for additional flavor. And oh yeah, there is a history lesson in this post. Did you know as early as the 1500s Japanese had an African Samurai?
I'm having way too much fun with my new InstaPot. I'm still learning, but have been to churn out some good recipes, mostly traditional classics that I've converted for pressure cooking. This Southern classic black-eyed peas recipe is made vegan, so I had to do a little extra to replicate the smoke from what would have been smoked meat. I think I figured it out. I went deep into the classic rock vault for some inspiration. Enjoy.
A few years ago my family got invited to the premiere of the movie "The Hundred-Foot Journey," which is a movie produced by Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey about an Indian family seeking asylum in France. The son becomes a famous chef introducing the French to Indian spices and cooking techniques. I remember thinking at the time how similar Indian cooking was to "soul food" in terms of the use of spices and seasonings to take humble ingredients to extraordinary. I was reminded again during our Thanksgiving trip to Dubai when we ate a Masala based fried cabbage dish which was very similar to the southern fried cabbage I grew up. I bought a lot of spices from the local Souk including the garam masala I used in this dish. This dish tastes as great as it smells so be prepared.
Change up your gameday menu and find a way to get some smoked ham hocks in your life via these pork nachos. Don't fret, just start your New Year's resolutions after the bowl season or just reward yourself with a cheat day.
Sous Vide short ribs braised 72 hours would likely be my last meal; intensely rich and flavorful with a tenderness that is nothing short of perfect. Cuts like short ribs are high in collagen fibers, which is the secret to their tenderness and flavor. When collagen is heated the fibers shrink and all that contracting …
I've probably had plank smoked fish 121 times and in all the years of perfecting my plank game, I never strayed from fish until recently. I guess you can say I was ready for a change. In the process I learned that what works for salmon and trout, also works for portobello mushrooms. Even better you can stuff them with things like couscous and simple, flavorful vegetables for easy, filling meatless Monday night. Or if you aren't ready for that much change, have your meat protein and make the stuffed portobellos as a side accompaniment.
Celery Root is definitely not the prettiest vegetable at the market, but what it lacks in good looks it more than compensates with inner beauty, dynamite taste and ease of prep/cooking. If you're not familiar with celery root or celeriac as it's known, it's beyond worthy of your consideration. This celery root steak recipe is a great introduction. We enjoy it in our house as one of our many meatless nights. It also presents well enough to be on your holiday menu. Don't worry it's tastes nothing like celery, is easier to handle than it looks, and is low calorie and low carb.
A quick, fun and delicious way to get your veggies in without really thinking about it. I'm a kitchen gadgets guy. I don't have a lot of them (not sure my wife would agree), because I'm picky. I need my gadgets to be simple with high utility. This handheld spiralizer came into my Amazon feed …
Sundays mean meal prep for me, which pretty much always means making 2-3 sauces for the week. As I tend to keep things on the simple end during my always busy week, having reliable, delicious and versatile sauce on hand allow me to elevate any basic dish whether its pasta, grilled chicken, or roasted potatoes. This collard green salsa verde qualifies as one of those do it all type sauces. It definitely skews on the healthier side, but in no way skimps on flavor. Besides the taste and versatility I find it's an easy way to get the nutritional benefits provided by collard greens on a daily basis without the labor of cooking up a big ole pot of collards. JUST keep things simple with the recipe and you'll love it as a condiment/meal enhancer.
For a nice change-up to sweet potato Thanksgiving recipes try this simple, low prep hasselback sweet potatoes dish. This doesn't have to be a special occasion dish, as it easily works for a weeknight side. I've been experimenting more with ghee (claried butter) lately in some of my dishes. Ghee is a great cooking oil that I jokingly refer to as super butter since its both lactose and casein free, has a high smoke point (aka you can cook it at high heat levels without it browning/burning), and is rich and complex in flavor. Celebrate the life of the great Roy Hargrove with me by cooking to my favorite track "Strasbourg/St. Denis" which is my favorite song by his quintet.
Indulge your taste buds in a culinary masterpiece with our Creamy and Smoky Roasted Red Pepper Sauce. A harmonious blend of velvety texture and bold smokiness, this sauce elevates any dish to gourmet heights. Versatile and irresistible – a true flavor enhancer in every spoonful! Related Sauce Posts This balanced vegan roasted red pepper sauce …
Had the chance to team up with Parmigiano Reggiano brand cheese for this cheesy whole roasted cauliflower recipe. I like this dish personally because, besides being easy to make, it's versatile as both a side dish and meatless main entree. With the focus being on real Italian cheese, I thought it appropriate to call on Aretha Franklin's version of "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing." Enjoy
Belgian Fries - the perfect side, period! Pillow soft, moist and deliciously crispy with a golden brown color and enhanced flavor from duck fat. Full disclosure these fries are highly addictive. Before figuring out a recipe, I've on more than one occasion brainstormed ways of getting to Brussels, hence the song choice - Kari Faux's "Law of Attraction." Enjoy, and after you've tried them, feel free to give me a shout and let me know your thoughts.
A big green salad just in time for Thanksgiving side dish plans. It's a unique salad featuring an unlikely mix of ingredients that work magic together. Collard greens, baby lima beans, smashed cucumbers, and lemongrass-coconut pickled celery make for soul food meets Asian cuisine mash-up. Requires little cooking to free you up to focus on other things. The recipe is powered by a soulful hip hop track "Greeny Green" from Atlanta's finest Goodie Mob featuring Ceelo Green.
Chow Chow Relish - tangy Southern relish that is good on everything as a condiment. Sunday is my cook day. The rest of the week is just a matter of assembling meals that I've prepped. I keep things pretty simple, reserving all my food fussing for the sauces and dressings. I typically make 2-3 per …
Baked Whole Black Sea Bass Recipe with Beet Greens Salsa - an easy and delicious baked fish recipe with step by step instructions for choosing and cooking whole fish. I eat a lot of beets including smoked beets, roasted beets, and even lightly pickled beets. Because of this and the fact that I hate wasting …
A vibrant, and refreshing main dish option that can be added to your 30 minute meals arsenal. Quinoa is easy to cook and requires little effort to impart flavor. Given this, it's a staple in our house as a busy weeknight go-to. Plus it offers so many other beneficial qualities that I recommend you get …
This comforting skillet cabbage recipe is a great weeknight meal. It's delicious and perfect for all types of customization. I know how much you guys love quick and easy meals, so today I am sharing my grandma's quick and easy beef cabbage stir. Add this to your collection of 30-minute meals. There are only a …
Mexican Seafood Stew Recipe Gather 'round and let your taste buds sway to the rhythm of this easy, spicy Mexican seafood stew. Imagine the smooth, soulful beats of R&B setting the scene as you whip up a dish that's as bold and flavorful as your favorite tune. This stew is a harmonious blend of tender …
Raw Beet Salad A delicious and easy salad that takes little time to make and is the perfect side dish for the holidays or quick weeknight dinner. This raw beet salad looks and tastes fancy but is SUPER EASY to make. It comes together in minutes since no cooking is required. It's just beets, radishes, …
Super tender, flavor that's fire, and visually stunning this whole roasted cauliflower is perfect as a rut breaking main dish or a show-stopping appetizer at a dinner party. Cauliflower recipes don't have to be boring and basic. I like a nice mashed cauliflower, but cauliflower is destined for so much more. Roast it and enjoy …
Discover an easy side dish with our coconut rice recipe, enhanced by the bold flavors of ginger and garlic. This aromatic, creamy rice pairs perfectly with any main course, bringing a delightful fusion of richness and zest to your table in no time. Related Rice Recipes This easy coconut rice recipe is not just about …
Simple in execution, complex in flavor, this is an easy weeknight skillet corn is a side full of flavor and versatile enough to work with whatever ingredients you have on hand. This is a great summer cookout dish. It's super easy to make and can be eaten cold or at room temperature so it travels …
Related Scallop Recipes: Today, we gather to celebrate the marriage of delicate, buttery pan-seared scallops and the bold awakening of a robust coffee vinaigrette. In this divine union of land and sea, a harmonious blend of textures, aromas, and tastes awaits, promising an unforgettable soulful experience that will leave you yearning for more. Many people …
Grilled Vegetable Salad - select ripe summer vegetables blistered over hot flames and then tossed in simple yet complex tasting citrus herb vinaigrette! This delicious simple vegan salad is ready in minutes. Summertime is the best! You can't beat the wide selection of fruits and vegetables available for your pleasure. I made use of as …
Easy Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho Like revenge, gazpacho is a dish, best served chilled. This easy gazpacho recipe featuring fresh, delicious heirloom tomatoes provides the perfect refreshing break into a hot summer. Farmer's market fresh cucumbers, peppers, and herbs add further vibrancy to this colorful dish. I get excited about making this easy gazpacho. With heirloom tomatoes …
Sheet pan roasted vegetables - a no fuss, no mess way to cook delicious sides while multi-tasking or devoting time to your main dish. The beans and potatoes are well seasoned and roasted directly in a sheet pan. Take out two birds with one stone with this easy dish! MOOD MUSIC What main dish goes …
Heirloom tomato galette made with puff pastry is an easy, savory dessert recipe for non-bakers or just anyone looking for convenience. Charming, effortless and screaming Summer dessert, this galette is a winner! MOOD MUSIC During my last farmer's market visit, the selection of fresh, vibrant heirloom tomatoes got me pretty damn excited. Admittedly, I lose …
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of grapefruit brulee infused with aromatic cardamom spice. Paired with Busta Rhymes' song "You Can't Hold the Torch," this dessert experience is a symphony of sweet and spiced notes that tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dining pleasure. Related Dessert Posts: Grapefruit Brulee - for people like me who …
Basil Pesto Spaghetti Squash - flavorful, low carb way to get your pasta fix. The squash is backed by a tasty homemade basil pesto recipe. Some years ago when I was working for Kraft Foods we were doing a lot of research on low carb diets. This was near the height of the low carb …
Bell Pepper Salad - Refreshingly simple salad of fresh, ripe bell peppers minimally seasoned to highlight the bright flavors. This is that quick, salad to compliment any meat dish whether grilled, fried, or roasted. MOOD MUSIC A Bell Pepper Salad is the quintessential James Brown salad. My grandfather was all about the ingredients and making …
For those who want to enjoy Summer's best fruit beyond a cold slice or fruity drink, this is a great alternative. With the appearance of Ahi Tuna, the texture and mouthfeel of a medium rare ribeye, this finished roasted watermelon steak is a great fancy appetizer and main ingredient for a summer salad. Summertime doesn't …
Are some of your favorite recipes the most minimalist? This whole roasted cauliflower recipe fits the bill and is probably the best simple recipe you'll ever have. The cauliflower is seasoned extremely well both inside and out. In most cauliflower recipes, cauliflower plays a supporting role. For this one, it's actually the star in a …
The perfect summer salad; refreshingly light with grilled calamari, ripe cherry tomatoes, and sweet watermelon that can be pulled off in a few minutes with minimal work. I'm a little late posting this as I had every intention to have this on the blog several days before the 4th of July. But hey, for my …
The beauty of tacos is you can make them with any ingredient including oxtails. These braised beef oxtail tacos are da bomb! Slow-cooked in a smoky, complex and mildly spicy sauce made from dried Mexican chilis. I made these tacos with leftover oxtails from a Mexican braised oxtail recipe. MOOD MUSIC OXTAIL TACOS INGREDIENTS COOKING …
Delicious 10 minute take on a soul food staple featuring no slime okra and tomatoes prepared with one of the most simple cooking methods to allow the okra's natural flavor to shine augmented with lime and fresh mint. We eat okra in so many different ways in my house. But I understand not everyone is …