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 staples such as molasses, salt, corn and flour. They also had small plots where they grew vegetables like okra and mustard greens. Protein was scarce and they made use of every part of an animal like a pig, from its ears to its feet. Leftovers were often used to give a vegetable dish some meaty flavor. Recipes with these humble beginnings have been improved through the years and now feature proudly on menus of not only casual eateries but more upmarket ones too.
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.
This type of cuisine is well known for its intensity of flavors with the use of many spices. This is one of the ways in which it can be differentiated from Southern cuisine, according to some people who regard Southern cuisine as offering gentler flavors. Another way to distinguish it is in the way proteins are used such as serving whole fish and cuts of meat like neck bones and feet instead of more processed ones.
Another characteristic of this type of cooking is that there is very little wastage. In the days of slavery, the proteins used consisted mainly of leftovers like offal and chitlins. The tradition of using leftovers continues with stale bread being used to make pudding, overripe fruit being made into pies and leftover fish into hush puppies or croquets.
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.
Sunday dinners are times when families get together and various family members contribute dishes. Kale, ribs, corn, mustard greens, fried chicken, okra, and yams are all examples of the type of foods that appear on heavily laden tables. Families stay connected in this way and are reminded of their roots.
Caterers offering this type of cuisine are not hard to find today with many of them offering their services on websites. Checking customer reviews and other details on such a site can give a good indication of the reputation and quality of service of such caterers. The best of these create their foods with passion and patience, offering delicious menus that keep customers very happy.
The slaves were usually given staples such as molasses, salt, corn and flour. They also had small plots where they grew vegetables like okra and mustard greens. Protein was scarce and they made use of every part of an animal like a pig, from its ears to its feet. Leftovers were often used to give a vegetable dish some meaty flavor. Recipes with these humble beginnings have been improved through the years and now feature proudly on menus of not only casual eateries but more upmarket ones too.
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.
This type of cuisine is well known for its intensity of flavors with the use of many spices. This is one of the ways in which it can be differentiated from Southern cuisine, according to some people who regard Southern cuisine as offering gentler flavors. Another way to distinguish it is in the way proteins are used such as serving whole fish and cuts of meat like neck bones and feet instead of more processed ones.
Another characteristic of this type of cooking is that there is very little wastage. In the days of slavery, the proteins used consisted mainly of leftovers like offal and chitlins. The tradition of using leftovers continues with stale bread being used to make pudding, overripe fruit being made into pies and leftover fish into hush puppies or croquets.
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.
Sunday dinners are times when families get together and various family members contribute dishes. Kale, ribs, corn, mustard greens, fried chicken, okra, and yams are all examples of the type of foods that appear on heavily laden tables. Families stay connected in this way and are reminded of their roots.
Caterers offering this type of cuisine are not hard to find today with many of them offering their services on websites. Checking customer reviews and other details on such a site can give a good indication of the reputation and quality of service of such caterers. The best of these create their foods with passion and patience, offering delicious menus that keep customers very happy.
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