There is a very special cuisine that has its roots back in a time when slaves had to survive on rations and leftovers. The meals they prepared were a way of maintaining their dignity in the midst of oppression. Adversity bred resourcefulness and dishes were created patiently and with care. A soul food caterer today uses recipes that have often been passed down through generations. Caterers like this are found all over America and East Windsor, NJ is no exception. Menus often feature many classic favorites.
The slaves were usually given ingredients like flour, salt, molasses and corn. They produced their own vegetables such as okra and beans. Some of the simple recipes they created using the staples, their vegetables and leftover proteins have survived and with a few modifications, are found on menus all over. Such food represents more than just these ingredients cooked in a certain way. It celebrates their roots and heritage.
Recipes were not written down as many slaves were not allowed to learn to read or write. They were passed down by word of mouth to future generations. Although cookbooks have been written featuring this style of cuisine, it is only fairly recently that they are receiving more attention. Family meals and gatherings are usually the focus of such books.
One of the characteristics of this cuisine is intense flavors. There is often a debate about the difference between this cuisine and Southern cuisine and the answer appears to lie in the amount of spices used. Meats and fish are less processed when making soul food. A whole fish is often served and less desirable meat such as neck bones, pigs feet and chitlins feature.
The early slaves could not afford to waste and this attitude towards wastage has prevailed. Everything from stale bread and to overripe fruit is used to create delicious pies and puddings. Leftovers of fish are made into croquets or hush puppies. Leftover meat is used in vegetable dishes for added flavor.
Every culinary tradition has certain elements that are less healthy than others and this type is no different. However, with the introduction of fast foods and with more sugar, salt and fat being added to recipes, many of these foods did become unhealthy. Caterers preparing them today are aware of this and tend to focus on using healthier cooking methods and using spices, garlic, onions and herbs to create flavors. The use of plenty of vegetables is one of the healthier aspects of this type of cuisine that they celebrate in their dishes.
The Sunday meal is often an occasion when all the family members gather together. Dishes are contributed by all and often hark back to traditional roots, celebrating their heritage. On the laden dinner table, one might find ribs, fried chicken, corn, okra, kale, collard greens and yams.
Finding caterers who offer this type of cuisine is not difficult and many of them have online websites. They are committed to creating dishes with passion and patience. They offer delicious meals that keep their customers coming back for more.
The slaves were usually given ingredients like flour, salt, molasses and corn. They produced their own vegetables such as okra and beans. Some of the simple recipes they created using the staples, their vegetables and leftover proteins have survived and with a few modifications, are found on menus all over. Such food represents more than just these ingredients cooked in a certain way. It celebrates their roots and heritage.
Recipes were not written down as many slaves were not allowed to learn to read or write. They were passed down by word of mouth to future generations. Although cookbooks have been written featuring this style of cuisine, it is only fairly recently that they are receiving more attention. Family meals and gatherings are usually the focus of such books.
One of the characteristics of this cuisine is intense flavors. There is often a debate about the difference between this cuisine and Southern cuisine and the answer appears to lie in the amount of spices used. Meats and fish are less processed when making soul food. A whole fish is often served and less desirable meat such as neck bones, pigs feet and chitlins feature.
The early slaves could not afford to waste and this attitude towards wastage has prevailed. Everything from stale bread and to overripe fruit is used to create delicious pies and puddings. Leftovers of fish are made into croquets or hush puppies. Leftover meat is used in vegetable dishes for added flavor.
Every culinary tradition has certain elements that are less healthy than others and this type is no different. However, with the introduction of fast foods and with more sugar, salt and fat being added to recipes, many of these foods did become unhealthy. Caterers preparing them today are aware of this and tend to focus on using healthier cooking methods and using spices, garlic, onions and herbs to create flavors. The use of plenty of vegetables is one of the healthier aspects of this type of cuisine that they celebrate in their dishes.
The Sunday meal is often an occasion when all the family members gather together. Dishes are contributed by all and often hark back to traditional roots, celebrating their heritage. On the laden dinner table, one might find ribs, fried chicken, corn, okra, kale, collard greens and yams.
Finding caterers who offer this type of cuisine is not difficult and many of them have online websites. They are committed to creating dishes with passion and patience. They offer delicious meals that keep their customers coming back for more.
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