Top Soul Food Dishes in Georgia: Recipes to Savor

Georgia is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, and soul food forms the heart of its food culture. Whether served at family gatherings or enjoyed in one of Georgia’s celebrated restaurants, these dishes are an enduring symbol of Southern comfort. Here’s a guide to the top 10 soul food dishes you’ll find across the state, complete with recipes, so you can recreate these classics at home. Feel free to comment on what does or doesn’t work for you! We need to update the recipe list!

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1. Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken pieces (drumsticks or thighs)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 2 hours or overnight for a tender and flavorful result.
2. In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (175°C).
4. Dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture and carefully fry until golden and crispy, approximately 12-15 minutes for each piece.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

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2. Collard Greens

Ingredients:

• 2 bunches collard greens, stems removed and chopped
• 1 smoked ham hock or 4 slices of bacon
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 4 cups water or chicken broth

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onions and garlic until softened.
2. Add the ham hock or bacon and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
3. Add the collard greens, salt, pepper, and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Cook for about 45 minutes to an hour until the greens are tender.
5. Stir in vinegar, then serve.

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3. Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions and drain.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to make a roux.
3. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously, until the mixture thickens.
4. Stir in cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
5. Mix the cheese sauce with the macaroni and transfer to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until bubbly.

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4. Candied Yams

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup orange juice

Instructions:

1. Boil the sweet potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes, then drain and mash them.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter, then stir in the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and orange juice.
3. Mix the sweet potatoes with the syrup and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until golden and caramelized.

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5. Black-Eyed Peas

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried black-eyed peas
• 1 smoked ham hock or 4 slices of bacon
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Rinse the black-eyed peas and soak them overnight.
2. In a large pot, sauté the onions and garlic until soft. Add the ham hock or bacon and cook until browned.
3. Add the peas, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours until peas are tender.

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6. Cornbread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
2. In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Add to dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
4. Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

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7. Shrimp and Grits

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup grits
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook grits according to package instructions using chicken broth for extra flavor.
2. Sauté shrimp with butter, garlic, and lemon juice in a skillet until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Serve the shrimp over a bed of grits and garnish with parsley.

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8. Fried Green Tomatoes

Ingredients:

• 4 green tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cornmeal
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Dip tomato slices into buttermilk, then dredge in a mixture of cornmeal, flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a skillet and fry tomatoes until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Drain on paper towels and serve with a side of remoulade or ranch dressing.

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9. Pork Ribs with BBQ Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 racks of baby back ribs
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. Rub ribs with sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet, covered with foil, and cook for 2-2.5 hours.
3. Brush with BBQ sauce and bake for an additional 30 minutes, uncovered.

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10. Peach Cobbler

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh peaches, sliced
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Mix peaches, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and vanilla. Gradually add milk and stir until smooth.
4. Spoon the batter over the peaches and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden.

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Conclusion

Georgia’s soul food dishes represent the state’s deep-rooted history, culture, and love of flavor. From crispy fried chicken to sweet peach cobbler, these dishes are a testament to the warmth and hospitality that define Southern cuisine. Try these recipes and bring a little taste of Georgia into your own kitchen.