The Heart and Soul of Southern Cooking

Southern Soul Food cooking isn’t just about the food it’s about the connection you feel when gathering around the table with those you love the most. It's a feeling of unity I almost can't describe.

Whether it was Sunday dinner at Ma's house (my grandmother's), our house, or my aunt's house the experience was the same... the scent of cornbread baking in a cast-iron skillet, the sizzle of chicken or fish frying on the stove, or the slow-simmered pot roast that tasted like it had been cooking all day because sometimes it had.

Growing up, I could never understand why it took so long for my grandmother, mom and aunt to get dinner on the table past "what I thought was a reasonable time" especially because they were all cooking together. But, as I got older, I realized it wasn't just about them preparing the food it was about the talking, the laughter, the reminiscing, and the occasional sip of their favorite drink in between prepping, stirring, and tasting.

But, when we finally sat down to eat as a family? The wait was always worth it.

The Essence of Soul Food

Soul Food is deeply rooted in African traditions, blended with Southern influences, and passed down through generations. It’s a cuisine built on resourcefulness, tradition, and flavor turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

That’s the thing about Soul Food it’s not just about the time spent cooking but about the ingredients and techniques that make each dish unforgettable.

Essential Ingredients

Every cuisine has its foundation, and Soul Food is no different. Here are some key ingredients that give it its signature taste:

• The Holy Trinity: A combination of onion, celery, and bell pepper forms the backbone of many Southern dishes. Check out my Holy Trinity hack to save time in the kitchen.
• Smoked Meats: Ham hocks, turkey wings, and andouille sausage add depth of flavor to so many dishes.
• Cornmeal: From cornbread to hushpuppies, cornmeal is a Soul Food staple.
• Bold Seasonings: Cajun seasoning and, of course, hot sauce bring the heat and flavor to many Southern and Soul Food dishes.

Must-Try Dishes

If you truly want a Soul Food experience, here are a few dishes I think you'll love:

Cajun Fried Chicken: Perfectly seasoned crispy and golden.

Salmon Croquettes: A Southern favorite made with fresh salmon.

Collard Greens and Cornbread: A mix of tender collard and mustard greens paired with incredibly moist cornbread. You just can't have one without the other.

Creamy Baked Mac-and-Cheese: Another favorite that's packed with cheesy goodness in every bite.

Cooking Techniques That Brings Soul Food to Life

Some key techniques include:

Slow Simmering: Letting flavors develop over time, whether it’s a pot of beans, a stew, or braised greens, makes all the difference.

Deep Frying: The key to the perfect crunch. A well-seasoned flour coating, and the right frying temperature.

Braising: Cooking meats and greens low and slow creates the most tender and flavorful dishes.

Layering Flavors: The secret to the best-tasting Southern and Soul Food dishes is seasoning throughout the cooking process, not just at the end, with greens being the exception- those should be seasoned at the end.

Are you ready to bring Soul Food into your own kitchen? I’d love to hear from you. What’s a Soul Food dish that brings back memories for you? Or, if you’re new to Southern cooking, which recipe are you excited to try first?