Soul Food Plate Recipe

A classic soul food plate is rich in history and flavor, typically featuring a hearty mix of Southern comfort foods. Here’s a recipe to create a traditional soul food plate with some of the most beloved dishes: fried chicken, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread.

Ingredients

For Fried Chicken:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

For Collard Greens:

• 1 pound collard greens, cleaned and chopped
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 smoked ham hock
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste

For Macaroni and Cheese:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Cornbread:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs

Instructions

Fried Chicken:

1. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least an hour (overnight is best).
2. Combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
4. Dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture until well-coated.
5. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through about 15-20 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Collard Greens:

1. In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add the ham hock, onion, and garlic.
2. Add collard greens and simmer covered for about 1 hour or until the greens are tender.
3. Season with red pepper flakes and salt. Remove the ham hock, shred some of the meat, and return it to the pot.

Macaroni and Cheese:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in milk, cream, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the cheese gradually, stirring until the sauce is smooth.
4. Combine the sauce with the cooked macaroni and transfer to a baking dish.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

Cornbread:

1. In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Stir in buttermilk, oil, and beaten eggs until smooth.
3. Pour batter into a greased 9-inch square pan.
4. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serve everything together on a plate for a soul-satisfying meal. Enjoy your homemade soul food plate!