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:
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least an hour (overnight is best).
- Combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture until well-coated.
- Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through about 15-20 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
Collard Greens:
- In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add the ham hock, onion, and garlic.
- Add collard greens and simmer covered for about 1 hour or until the greens are tender.
- 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:
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in milk, cream, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cheese gradually, stirring until the sauce is smooth.
- Combine the sauce with the cooked macaroni and transfer to a baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Cornbread:
- In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in buttermilk, oil, and beaten eggs until smooth.
- Pour batter into a greased 9-inch square pan.
- 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!