10+ Black People Recipes: Delicious Dishes to Celebrate Culture and Flavor

Exploring the world of Black people’s recipes connects you with rich culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations. These recipes not only celebrate cultural heritage but also provide delicious meals that can be enjoyed by everyone.

From classic comfort foods to modern twists, there’s a wide range of dishes that reflect the diverse influences within African American and Caribbean cooking.

Whether you’re looking to try something new or want to recreate a family favorite, these recipes can bring vibrant flavors and comforting aromas into your kitchen.

The warmth and creativity in these dishes make cooking an enjoyable experience, inviting both learning and sharing among family and friends.

1) Sweet Potato Cornbread

Sweet potato cornbread is a delicious and comforting dish. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes makes it a great addition to any meal. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for gatherings.

You’ll start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake your sweet potatoes until they are soft, which usually takes about an hour.

Once they are ready, mash them and mix with your other ingredients. Cornmeal, flour, and a little sugar will help create that perfect cornbread texture.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Bake sweet potatoes until soft, about 1 hour.
3. Mash sweet potatoes and set aside.
4. In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
5. In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter.
6. Combine mixtures and fold in the mashed sweet potatoes.
7. Pour the batter into a greased skillet or baking dish.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

2) Collard Greens

Collard greens are a classic dish in Black Southern cooking. They are nutritious and flavorful, making them a great addition to any meal. You can cook them with smoked meat for extra richness or try a vegan version for a lighter option.

To start, wash your collard greens thoroughly. Next, chop them into bite-sized pieces. You can sauté them with onions and garlic for added taste. Using chicken broth helps enhance the flavor.

These greens can be simmered until tender, which usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

Ingredients

• 4 lbs collard greens, cleaned and cut
• 1 lb bacon or smoked meat (optional)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add bacon or smoked meat and cook until browned.
3. Add onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
4. Stir in collard greens, chicken broth, and water.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until tender.

3) Smothered Okra with Shrimp

Smothered Okra with Shrimp is a delicious and comforting dish. It’s a favorite in many Black households and brings together bold flavors. Cooking this dish is simple and rewarding.

You’ll start by preparing fresh okra and shrimp. With the right spices, this meal becomes rich in taste and history. Many love serving it with rice or cornbread for a complete meal.

The special touch often comes from using tomatoes and onions, which add natural sweetness. Every bite will remind you of home-cooked meals and family gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 quarts fresh okra, sliced
• ½ cup tomato paste
• ½ cup cooking oil
• 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook until soft.
3. Stir in tomato paste and fresh tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add okra and shrimp, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4) Red Beans and Rice

Red beans and rice is a classic dish that is hearty and flavorful. It’s made with red kidney beans, rice, and often includes smoked sausage for extra taste. This dish is popular in Southern cooking and is a great comfort food.

You can customize it by using different spices or adding vegetables. Cooking red beans and rice often reminds people of family gatherings and sharing meals together. It’s simple to prepare, making it a great option for busy days.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red kidney beans
• 1 cup white rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 sausage (andouille or smoked)
• 4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the red beans overnight, then drain.
2. In a pot, sauté onion, green pepper, and garlic.
3. Add the sausage and cook until browned.
4. Stir in the beans, water, and seasoning.
5. Simmer for about 1.5 hours until beans are tender.
6. Cook rice separately according to package instructions.
7. Serve beans over rice. Enjoy!

5) Sweet Potato Rolls

Sweet potato rolls are a wonderful addition to any meal. They are fluffy, light, and have a slight sweetness that everyone loves. These rolls are also vegan and gluten-free, making them suitable for many diets.

To make these rolls, you’ll use mashed sweet potatoes mixed with flour and yeast. The dough is simple to make and rises beautifully. Once baked, they come out warm and golden brown.

You can enjoy these rolls on their own or with a spread of butter. They pair perfectly with soups, stews, or any main dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
• 2 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup warm almond milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix warm almond milk and yeast in a bowl, letting it sit for 5 minutes.
3. In another bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, and salt.
4. Mix in the yeast mixture.
5. Gradually add the flour and knead the dough until smooth.
6. Let the dough rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
7. Shape into rolls and place on a baking sheet.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy!

6) Air Fryer Cornbread

Making cornbread in the air fryer is quick and easy. You can enjoy a tasty side dish in no time. It’s perfect for meals or snacks.

To start, gather your ingredients:

• 1 box of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup of milk
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter

Preheat your air fryer to 330°F (165°C).

In a mixing bowl, combine the Jiffy mix, egg, milk, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well mixed.

Next, pour the batter into a greased baking pan that fits in your air fryer. Cook at 330°F (165°C) for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean. Enjoy your delicious air fryer cornbread!

7) Southern-Style Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Southern-style baked macaroni and cheese is a comforting favorite. It combines creamy cheeses, pasta, and a rich custard-like base. The dish is loved for its gooey texture and crispy top.

To make this dish, you will typically use ingredients like elbow macaroni, eggs, and a blend of cheeses such as cheddar and Monterey Jack. It bakes until golden brown and bubbly.

This recipe is often served at family gatherings and celebrations. It’s a dish that brings everyone together, making it a beloved part of Southern cuisine.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 2 large eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain.
3. In a bowl, whisk together evaporated milk and eggs.
4. Add the cheeses to the bowl, then mix in the macaroni.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then pour into a baking dish.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until browned on top.

8) Hush Puppies

Hush puppies are a beloved Southern dish that you can easily make at home. These deep-fried treats are typically made from cornmeal and are known for their crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. They pair wonderfully with fried fish and can also be enjoyed on their own.

You can add flavors to your hush puppies by mixing in ingredients like onions, cheese, or even jalapeños. This gives them a savory kick that many people love.

To get started, you’ll need some simple ingredients to make delicious hush puppies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup chopped onions
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, and onions.
3. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture.
4. Heat oil in a deep pot to 365°F (185°C).
5. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil.
6. Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Remove and drain on paper towels. Enjoy!

9) Strawberry Biscuits

Strawberry biscuits are a delightful treat you can enjoy for breakfast or dessert. These biscuits are tender and buttery, featuring fresh strawberries for a burst of flavor. They are quick to make and perfect for any occasion.

To make them, you’ll mix buttermilk with flour and add sweet strawberries. A vanilla glaze on top adds a tasty finishing touch. These biscuits can remind you of classic Southern recipes, bringing comfort and joy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cold butter, diced
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly.
4. Stir in buttermilk and strawberries until just combined.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
7. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
8. Drizzle the glaze over warm biscuits. Enjoy!

10) Hot Water Cornbread

Hot water cornbread is a traditional dish with deep roots in Southern cooking. This recipe is simple and uses just a few ingredients, making it easy for anyone to try at home.

To make hot water cornbread, start with cornmeal, salt, and boiling water. This mixture creates a dough that you can shape into small cakes. Then, fry these in a skillet until they are golden brown and crispy.

The result is a delicious cornbread that pairs well with many meals. Enjoy it alongside beans, greens, or fried chicken for a satisfying comfort food experience.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups boiling water
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine cornmeal and salt.
2. Gradually add boiling water and stir until mixed.
3. Let the dough cool for a few minutes.
4. Shape the dough into small cakes.
5. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
6. Fry each cake until golden brown on both sides.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.