Thread: traditional foods

I was thinking about foods that are traditional for where you live, i.e. collard greens, fried okra, etc. for the South. What about y'all? Is there something that just screams your culture that you love? And if so...share the recipe?

I just realized that I didn't post the recipes for mine...and I forgot about fried green tomatoes.

I'll post collards, since the other two are flour, and vegetable oil

With collards, I always cut out the stem (though my dad likes to have those served separate because he loves them) then tear the collards into 3-4" chunks.

I fill up a large pot with water, then boil it. Once it's boiling I put in the greens. I let them blanch for about 10 minutes, or until they've all changed color.

I then dump out the greens into a colander, and wash out the pot. (I like one pot recipes)

I usually have some seasoning meat in the freezer, so I'll throw a little bit in the pot, and cook it for a little bit, until it starts to brown the bottom of the pan. Then I pour water back into the pot and get it to boiling again. Usually I'll add some low sodium chicken broth too. I then throw in the collards, and cook them until they're the texture I like. (again, everyone's opinion differs. My Mom likes hers a little al dente, and I like mine almost mushy)

be forewarned...they smell AWFUL when they're cooking.

Serve them as they are, or add a little vinegar!

That's one of the things I really like about CA. We have amazing food groups and fusions.

Even some of the "fast food" places manage to ake it fresh and (more) healthy.

Originally Posted by Femme*

That's one of the things I really like about CA. We have amazing food groups and fusions.

Even some of the "fast food" places manage to ake it fresh and (more) healthy.

I keep telling my husband we need to open a fast food health restaurant...I think it would be successful. Expensive, but successful.

Originally Posted by Lista

Is there something that just screams your culture that you love? And if so...share the recipe?

I grew up in Detroit in a predominantly Polish/Slavic area. Some of my favorite foods are the homemade pierogi, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa and sauerkraut (kapusta) dishes.



There are a lot of variations in kapusta recipes but I'll share how I make it...and its not sour at all:


Ingredients:
1 small 15oz can sauerkraut
1/2 stick of butter or margarine
1 medium onion chopped
1 teaspoon black pepper

Drain the liquid from the can, put the kraut into a small saucepan and add enough water to cover it. Bring to a boil, boil one minute and then drain.

Add enough water again to cover the kraut then add the margarine, onions and pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil again, cover the pot and reduce the heat so it simmers.

Keep it simmering and stir occasionally until all the liquid is gone, that usually takes at least an hour. Tastes great and its even better the next day.

You already gave me that one...a new one please...

Originally Posted by krystian

I grew up in Detroit in a predominantly Polish/Slavic area. Some of my favorite foods are the homemade pierogi, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa and sauerkraut (kapusta) dishes.



There are a lot of variations in kapusta recipes but I'll share how I make it...and its not sour at all:


Ingredients:
1 small 15oz can sauerkraut
1/2 stick of butter or margarine
1 medium onion chopped
1 teaspoon black pepper

Drain the liquid from the can, put the kraut into a small saucepan and add enough water to cover it. Bring to a boil, boil one minute and then drain.

Add enough water again to cover the kraut then add the margarine, onions and pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil again, cover the pot and reduce the heat so it simmers.

Keep it simmering and stir occasionally until all the liquid is gone, that usually takes at least an hour. Tastes great and its even better the next day.

Is that a pic or YOUR dish you personally made?

Originally Posted by Lista

You already gave me that one...a new one please...

I thought I did, did you ever make it? Did you like it?

A while back I sent Fuego some REAL smoked Polish kielbasa, not that supermarket wannabe sausage stuff, and he made my kapusta recipe to go along with it.

Originally Posted by fuego

Is that a pic or YOUR dish you personally made?

You know the answer...I don't think I've ever taken a pic of any food I've cooked.

Originally Posted by krystian

I thought I did, did you ever make it? Did you like it?

A while back I sent Fuego some REAL smoked Polish kielbasa, not that supermarket wannabe sausage stuff, and he made my kapusta recipe to go along with it.

A while back as in several years ago.