Soul food is a term that became popular in the 1960’s, popularized by the African American youth culture. However, the history of this cuisine goes all the way back to the African continent. Indeed, soul food dates back centuries ago when early African Americans prepared food using the methods and ingredients found in the African continent.
Overed in dust and pollen, food finds its reminders from the earliest times. Surprisingly many items used in this southern cuisines are still available in today’s grocery stores. For example, the potato which is such a staple of soul food is not actually a staple at all. Unsweetened potato is actually the most popular potato; in fact the potato is probably the most widely used vegetable in the world.
Perhaps you would be surprised to know that not only is the potato a staple diet staple, but it also has had an extensive amount of media attention. Yes, that’s right; the potato is a delightfully deceptive fruit. Throughout the world many people have found this to be a harbinger of good times and a way to make friends.
The marketing of this delectable and nutrient dense food has recently seen an extraordinary surge in its popularity. More and more people are discovering the many blessings it brings, outside of perhaps the potato. Along with the spotlight spotlight that comes with this food award winning vegetable, many more people are turning to it as a way to kick back the stress of the day and have a good time.
Yes, the potato is not only an excellent side dish, but it is also loaded with nutritional value. Potatoes are loaded with vitamin C and they are also loaded with dietary fiber that works wonders for the heart and the gastrointestinal system. The vitamin C also helps to protect the body from diabetes and some cancers.
Soul food cookbook authors have been adding more and more vegetables and other tasty additions to their menus. As a result they have been incorporating more healthful cooking techniques into their recipes. For example, one of the hallmarks of soul food is using fresh vegetables, more specifically black eye peas, to added an extra punch of taste and health to their recipes.
They have added other creative elements to the dishes that are a signature of soul food, such as stir frying, steaming and baking. All these methods help to preserve valuable vitamins and nutrients that’s normally boiled or fried.
For example, a superb technique to quickly cook collard greens is to stir fry them. This ensures that valuable vitamins and nutrients are preserved. Stir frying helps to break up the phytochemicals and prevents them from caramelizing. For example, a Stir fried C collard greens has a much lower glycemic value than a traditional baked version.
Steaming is another technique that’s been passed down from grandmothers to daughters. The most popular steamed dumpling outdoors is called the cabbage rolls. Historically cabbage was prepared by mashing and boiling it. Because the cabbage was steamed, nettles within the cabbage body are broken, which allows the nutrients to slowly release to the rest of the food.
Cabbage can be used in a variety of recipes. You can substitute cabbage in your stuffing’s and mash carrots, mince and onions to your stuffing’s to help your family eat more green vegetables. You can even make baked cabbage bread and add it to a sandwich or your pasta.
The key to a successful casserole is to have variety in your ingredients. Otherwise you risk the flavors varying from one cookbook to another and your casserole ending up too salty. In order to avoid this, and to easily prepare a meal in a small time, why not create a sauce that’s quick and easy to make?
Here’s a simple sauce you can quickly make in a few minutes. Chicken, mushroom, and sage are the basic ingredients you’ll need. In a large frying pan heat enough oil to cover the bottom. Then add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for a few minutes. Then add the remainder of the ingredients and coat.
If you like the flavor of sage honey butter best, and it’s easy to make, then it’s time to give it a try. Add a tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of nutmeg to a glass of milk. Stir the mixture and gradually add the milk, a little at a time, over a period of hours until the cheese is melted. Then, stir in a dash of sour cream and serve.
