Soul Food - What is it?

17 10 2007

Soul Food - What is it?

I have often heard the term "Soul Food" used to describe a certain type of cuisine. When I hear it, I immediately think of dishes such as fried chicken, braised greens, catfish, barbeque, and pork. I set out to answer a question. What does fried chicken have to do with my soul?

The Origins of Soul Food

The term "Soul Food" was coined in the 1960’s in an era when anything relating to African-American culture was pretensed with the word "Soul". However the existence of this type of cuisine dates to the era of African slavery in the United states.

Soul food’s roots stem from what many distinguishable culinary flavors and traditions stem from, using the ingredients available and making the best of them. Often times slaves were given access to unfavorable vegetables and leftover parcels of meat. Giving birth to beats, collard greens, and the use of pigs feet in anything imaginable. Nowadays, there is hardly a city without a fashionable restaurant that honorably labels itself under the category of "Soul Food"

Soul Food?

So what does Soul Food have to do with my soul? I think Soul Food has it all right. Soul Food to me is almost like Thanksgiving Dinner every time. Feasting on delicious, time and labor intensive food, to enjoy with friends and family. Now that is the stuff that hits my soul.

Soul Food Ingredients	Soul Food Dishes
Watermelon Cornmeal Cat Fish Hog Jowls Hog Feet Ox Tail Ribs Neck Bones Black Eye Pees Cabbage Okra Sweet Potatoes Red Beans	Biscuits and Gravy Cornbread Hoecakes Hushpuppies Grits Macaroni and Cheese Rice Pudding Fried Fish Barbeque Ribs Fried Chicken Rice and Beans