BusinessHABwhat is soul food: This style of food has since made its way into the mainstream.
The creativity in using a wide array of ingredients and techniques has been passed down from generation to generation.
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1. Get the Soul Food History
Soul food has come to be defined as African American heritage cooking, Southern food is eaten and prepared by Black people.
The term soul food originated during the Black Power movement in the late 1960s and ’70s.
The movement, both political and social in nature, encouraged racial pride and equality for people of African descent.
It was one of the first times that African Americans could openly celebrate their heritage, including their food.
Soul food is about using what is leftover and taking it from the land in order to survive and feed your family.
Soul food is no longer prepared out of necessity but has become part of the African American culinary tradition.
Family recipes have been passed down from one generation to the next.
The complex preparations and intricate flavor profiles differentiate one family’s recipe from the other.
“For me, soul food is always tied to a memory from my childhood.
what is soul food?
It is my grandma’s cooking, it’s family, it’s the smell of different flavors when you walk in the house,”
Soul food comes from the soul, so it hits the soul differently.”
Today, soul food is much more than food eaten and prepared by Black people.
While it can be a creatively crafted meal using an assortment of Southern meats.
Spices, vegetables, and desserts, the food represents a history of survival and pride.
Indeed, one could argue that the food is less about the race or even the contents on the plate.
Soul Food Dishes
2. Fried Chicken
First on the list of true comfort food, the crunchy outside, and juicy inside is what it’s all about. And a little extra spice doesn’t hurt.
3. Mac & Cheese
The creamy cheese sauce smothering perfectly cooked macaroni is one of my family’s favorite comfort food. This recipe is so much better than the boxed stuff.
4. Chicken Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo
The intense flavor of Creole seasoning combined with chicken, shrimp, and sausage makes the perfect comfort food, no matter what your skin color is.
5. Fried Okra
Frying them in the cornbread coating makes them perfectly crisp and delicious. And the remoulade sauce only makes them better.
what is soul food
6. Cornbread
Buttery and super moist and delicious, cornbread is a staple comfort food not just in the South. I’ve seen it in the North, too.
7. Collard Greens
Greens and pork were made for each other. This recipe with ham is a sure winner for your next black cookout.
8. Black-Eyed Peas
The smoky bacon flavor makes this dish. This soulful comfort served with cornbread is welcome in my life anytime.
what is soul food
9. Fermented foods
Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickles are delicious and versatile, and they offer a number of health benefits. Research has shown that they can improve digestive health and may help reduce inflammation and blood sugar levels (17Trusted Source, 18Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source).
Plus, these foods are long-lasting, so you can stock up without worrying about food waste. For example, sauerkraut and pickles can be stored at room temperature for up to 18 months.
You can enjoy these tangy foods straight out of the jar, or use them as flavorful toppings for salads and other dishes.
what is soul food
10. Spices and dried herbs
To create flavorful recipes, it’s essential to have a well-stocked spice rack. Spices and herbs elevate the flavor of dishes and can come in handy when you’re in a recipe rut.
What’s more, incorporating dried herbs and spices into your diet can promote your health in various ways.
Turmeric, cayenne pepper, rosemary, cinnamon, ginger, oregano, and cumin all offer impressive health benefits and may help reduce inflammation and lower your risk of certain diseases (20Trusted Source).
11. Garlic and onions
Garlic and onions are the backbone of many recipes and are favored by both professional and home cooks for their versatility and long shelf life.
Both have also been shown to benefit your health in many ways, and enjoying them regularly may help reduce your risk of various illnesses, including certain cancers, mental decline, heart disease, and diabetes.
what is soul food
12. Long-lasting fresh fruits and veggies
Although many fresh fruits and veggies spoil quickly even when refrigerated, there are a number of long-lasting varieties to choose from.
Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, apples, beets, cabbage, spaghetti squash, rutabagas, pomegranate, carrots, and citrus fruits are just some examples of fruits and veggies that can keep for a few weeks or more when stored in the fridge or on the counter.
13. Frozen fish, poultry, and meat
While fresh fish, meat, and poultry are highly perishable, frozen versions of these products will stay edible much longer if they’re kept at the right temperature.
For example, fresh chicken and meat will be safe for up to 1 year when kept frozen (0℉ or -17℃), white fish like cod and haddock can be stored in the freezer for up to 5 months (24, 25).
Having a good supply of frozen poultry, meat, and fish can help you prepare healthy, protein-rich meals when fresh animal protein sources are limited.
what is soul food
14. Eggs
Eggs are a versatile food that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. They’re packed with protein and just about every vitamin and mineral your body needs to thrive, which is why they’re often referred to as nature’s multivitamin (26Trusted Source).
Although eggs are considered to be perishable, they can last up to 5 weeks in the fridge (24).
Try making a nutrient-dense veggie omelet or adding a fried egg to oatmeal, salads, or vegetable dishes to boost the protein content.
Purchase pasture-raised eggs if you can. Eggs from pastured hens are not only more nutritious than those of caged hens but also the hens laying them are typically treated much better. They have space to roam outdoors and the ability to partake in normal foraging behavior (27Trusted Source, 28).
what is soul food
15. Full fat yogurt
Yogurt can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen, making it a must-have in any well-stocked fridge. It can be enjoyed with berries, added to smoothies, dolloped onto veggie dishes, or used to add creaminess to sauces and soups.
Although many people reach for nonfat and reduced-fat yogurt, full-fat yogurt is highly nutritious and has been associated with a number of health benefits.
For instance, eating full-fat yogurt may protect against heart disease and the development of belly fat, which is a risk factor for many conditions, including diabetes (29Trusted Source, 30Trusted Source, 31Trusted Source).
Most yogurt can be kept for up to 3 weeks in the fridge and even be enjoyed well past its expiration date, as long as it still looks, tastes, and smells fresh.
what is soul food
Conclusion
Having your fridge, pantry, and freezer stocked with healthy foods can ensure that you always have ingredients on hand to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal.
By purchasing a few of the foods listed above during your next few grocery outings, your kitchen will be fully stocked with healthy staples before you know it.
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