The Southern American states are famous for their rich, savory dishes. The southern cuisine is a mash-up of African, French, and Spanish cultures, with a dash of Americana thrown into the mix. Furthermore, food made in the South has wonderful flavors, even though simple ingredients are used. Most of the dishes were invented by people who had to cook with what they had around. If we managed to make you even a little bit curious, here are some dishes you can only find in the American South.
Chicken and dumplings
This meal is considered comfort food since it includes a little bit of everything. Chicken meat, buttery dumplings, and a few cut veggies thrown in for good measure. The chicken broth is used to boil the dumplings to create the most warming hug in a bowl. This is one of the soups that can remind you of your childhood and that you will want to eat time and again.
Chicken fried steak
Even though the name is a little confusing since there is no chicken involved, this meal is too wonderful to be true. It's so delicious that it should be certified as a national treasure food. This mash-up is unique and specific to the American South. It consists of a tender beef steak seasoned with salt and pepper, breaded and fried like you would do with chicken. Then it can be placed in the oven and baked until it gets brown. It is usually served with mashed potatoes and white gravy. This is undoubtedly one of the dishes you can only find in the American South.
Fried green tomatoes
Yes, we know, another dish that sounds confusing. Not only do Southerners fry tomatoes, but they fry the green ones that aren't ripe yet. The green tomatoes are used in this dish because they are firmer and have a milder taste. Firstly, they are sliced and coated with seasoned flour. Then the slices are dipped in a batter made out of eggs and buttermilk. Lastly, they are covered in a mixture of cornbread and breadcrumbs and deep-fried in hot oil. Even though this meal appears to be an oddity, it is quite popular in the South. It's delicious, and you'll have to try it to believe it.
Jambalaya
This meal is a staple of Creole and Cajun cuisine and is quite popular in the South. Its name might be derived from the French word jambon, which means ham, the main ingredient in the first made jambalayas. Now, this dish is prepared with different types of meat, vegetables, and rice. It can also be made with crawfish or shrimp, depending on your taste. It's quick and easy to make, plus it's nutritious and flavorful. Make sure you get a taste of it if you are ever in the South. Or, you can even try to cook it at home.
Biscuits
If you ever find yourself in Tennessee, the biscuits made there are a must-try. They are one of the dishes you can only find in the American South that could make you want to move here and make Tennessee your new home. These tasty biscuits are usually made with flour, butter, and buttermilk, and they can also be sweet. You can eat them for breakfast with sausages or have them with chocolate gravy. Whatever you choose to combine them with, they will always brighten your day.
Gumbo
This is one of those dishes that cooks can make with any ingredients they have on hand, and it will turn out delicious. That is because of the time and care put into preparing it. It is cooked from the heart. Firstly, it contains chicken and sausages that are perfectly fried. Then vegetables like onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery are added. Everything is brought to a boil and left to simmer for 45 minutes. In the end, okra and green tomatoes are added, and everything is cooked for another hour. Before serving, parsley and green onions are sprinkled on top, and some chefs add fried shrimp. Gumbo is an excellent meal for warming up on a cold evening.
Boiled peanuts
If you enjoy salty peanuts but don't care for their crunchiness, you should try boiled peanuts. They are quite popular in the South and make an excellent snack when you're hungry. Unfortunately, they need a lot of patience to prepare since they must be cooked in salty water for a long time. Therefore, it's better to get them from the roadside stands or gas stations on the road. They go well with a cool beer or soda, but they may become addictive.
Hummingbird cake
This is one of the most popular desserts that you can find in the American South. A three-layered cake filled with banana, pineapple, and pecans, topped with rich cream cheese frosting. The recipe for this cake was first submitted to Southern Living in 1978 by Mrs. L.H. Wiggins of Greensboro, and nobody expected it to become so popular. Now you can find a recipe for it in any Southern household. It is the most beloved dessert in the South, and you simply have to taste it to understand why. It will be love at first bite.
The charm of the American South
If you find these dishes specific to the South to be at least intriguing, you should definitely plan a trip there. But be aware that you may encounter many other foods that could make you decide to relocate. The experts from Spider Moving know all too well how the American South can charm people with its wonderful cuisine and turn visitors into locals. With the help of reputable movers, you can relocate to the South in no time and start your culinary journey.
In conclusion
If you ever feel adventurous, make sure to try these dishes you can only find in the American South. The unique ingredient combinations and the wonderful spices used will bring joy to anyone who tastes them. Also, don't forget to satisfy your sweet tooth with some of the region's most famous deserts. You won't regret a single bite.
Images used:
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