Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! It’s easy to admire a man who’s inspired so many people in America, both during his life and long after his death. As you may know, Dr. King was a southern man, spending much of his life in Alabama. Favorite foods in that area in the time that he lived mirror many classic southern dishes, including “the Sunday feast of fried chicken, collard greens, black-eyed peas and corn bread.”
At FaveSouthernRecipes.com, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate Dr. King’s birthday ( which is actually Jan. 15) than to serve up a feast inspired by African American heritage. After all, food is something that brings us all together and helps us remember our heritage.
So, enjoy these delicious soul food recipes and reflect on the journey of black Americans that continues to this day. It won’t be long until the annual celebration of black people’s impacts and accomplishments in February: African American History Month.
13 Recipes Inspired by African American Heritage
- Never Fails Sweet Potato Pie
- Southern Hoe Cakes
- Simple Roast Turkey
- Smokey Gumbo
- Brown Butter Honey Child Cornbread
- Louisiana Style Red Beans and Rice
- Fried Fritter Okra
- Black Eyed Peas
- Collard Greens
- Peanut Soup
- Down Home Shrimp and Grits
- Perfect Fried Green Tomatoes
- Alabama Mud Cake – In homage to Dr. King’s birth place!
Plus, check out our Essential Guide to Soul Food for more southern recipes.
What dishes remind you of your heritage?
- Fish Fry Friday: 12 Fried Fish Recipes - March 19, 2021
- 10 Pineapple Recipes for a Southern Staycation - March 2, 2021
- Country Favorites: 9 Southern Recipes Country-Era Taylor Swift Would Love - February 13, 2021
Thanks for the gumbo recipe. I can’t think of anything that is more southern than good gumbo. It is one of the foods that I think I miss the most about the South. Not because I can’t make it, but because I never get any unless I make it myself. As for foods that remind me of my heritage, I don’t think I have any, unless you count the meals that remind me of home (my mom’s cooking).