Bread pudding is a traditional soul food dessert.
Soul food is a specific style of cooking which originated in the deep , when African-Americans were enslaved. Receiving leftover scraps from the dinner table, slaves cooked up tasty meals for themselves using large, seasoned cast iron pots. After a long day of working in the plantation fields, slaves gathered together to socialize and share their favorite soul foods.
Hushpuppies
One of the most popular of soul foods is hushpuppies. In colonial times, when the slave assigned to cook dinner battered the catfish, he sent the leftover batter to the slave house. The slave women added milk, egg and onion to it, and fried the mixture. This mixture was called hushpuppies because slaves tossed bits of the fried batter to dogs to keep them quiet while food was placed on the table. Hushpuppies are usually served as a side dish with fish.
Collard Greens
Soul food includes a variety of fresh vegetables, and collard greens, also known as tree cabbage, are a favorite. Rich in vitamins and minerals, collard greens are used as a frequent substitute for cabbage in the Deep South. Collard greens need to be washed thoroughly before using, as grit and dirt can cling to the leaves. They can be simmered on the stove for about an hour and a half, with bacon fat or ham hocks added for extra flavor. If a person is monitoring the amount of fat and salt in his diet, smoked turkey can be substituted for the more fatty meat.
Hoppin' John
Another favorite soul food is Hoppin' John. Made with black-eyed peas, rice and pork, Hoppin' John is cooked in a pot on the stove and seasoned with onions, green peppers and spices. Eating black-eyed peas with greens on New Year's Day is considered good luck in the American South. How Hoppin' John got its name is unknown, but it's thought to be a dish made by slaves during the colonial era.
Bread Pudding
Since the days when African-American slaves made bread pudding from leftover scraps of bread, bread pudding continues to be a popular soul food dessert. Any type of bread can be used, preferably bread that is stale. The bread is soaked in milk, flavored with vanilla, sugar and cinnamon, and then placed in a baking pan. The pan is coated with butter or margarine to provide extra moisture and to keep the pudding from sticking to the pan. Fruits such as raisins or apples can be added, and nuts for extra crunch. Bake the pudding in the oven for about 40 minutes.
Tags: Hoppin John, American South, black-eyed peas, bread pudding, favorite soul