In part one of our 3-part series on Soul Food Month, we gave a bit of insight on the value of the month as well as the tradition. In this episode we share some key factors that makes Soul Food month tasty, interesting and historically powerful.
HISTORY
Charla Draper founded National Soul Food Month in 2001 to celebrate the rich history of soul food. This food genre, now associated with comfort and decadence, was born out of struggle and survival. Soul food has a rich and important history that ties Black culture to its African roots, and that history is deeply reflected in the staple recipes and techniques.
HEALTH
Since the typical soul food diet involves large amounts of meat, fat, and sugar, it has gained a reputation for having a large risk of health related illnesses such as obesity, heart disease, and stroke. Healthy minded foodies have opted for increasing the nutrient content of soul food by favoring nutrient-rich dishes, and electing for swapping out unhealthy ingredients for healthy ones. Besides opting for vegan prepared soul food, some are choosing cooking methods other than frying, cutting back on salt, and eating more whole grains and plant foods.
So what else should you do if you care about waching what you eat? Select healthy foods to enjoy every day: colorful fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens; tubers like yams and sweet potatoes; beans of all kinds; nuts and peanuts; rice, flatbreads and other grain foods, especially whole grains. "Braised collard greens, stewed black-eyed peas, and Oxtail are go-to's for a healthy soul food meals for lots of health-minded people. Not only are these dishes packed with immense flavor, but they also have a pretty dense nutrient profile too.
We welcome your recommendation for Soul Food restaurants that we should provide some support and exposure to. we're listening. Be sure to stay up to date by following us on Twitter, IG, Youtube and Facebook.
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