There’s nothing like good old-fashioned Southern cooking. Even if you’re not from the South, you can still enjoy its culinary gifts. Known for comfort food that is unique for all of its multi-cultural influences, traditional Southern recipes indulge the palate and warm the heart.
Southern Food Influences
Southern food is infused with various cultures, each bringing its own rich influence.
Native American CultureNative Americans gave Southern food one of its staples: corn.
African-American Culture
African-American culture influenced Southern food with “soul food” with such favorites as okra and black-eyed peas.
Creole Culture
Louisiana Creole cuisine, most known from New Orleans, derives from French, Spanish and Latin American cultures. Creole chefs have easy access to the coast, so these dishes typically involve a variety of seafood.
Cajun Culture
Cajun food is largely associated with Creole food because they share French cuisine attributes and are both popular in Louisiana. But Cajun is greatly influenced by the Acadia region in Canada. Rice became a major staple in Cajun cuisine because it could easily feed large families.
Other Southern Food Favorites
Can’t get enough comfort food from the South? Luckily, there’s plenty of traditional Southern cuisine, so take your pick and make an entire meal of it!