25 Soulful Recipes From the African Diaspora to Celebrate Black History Month
Jollof Rice
Every February, Black History Month is an opportunity to learn more about the heritage and contributions of Black people, and these Black History Month food recipes are a chance to truly honor Black culture food. There is a strong link between Black history and food, with many elements of African culinary history making their way into African American recipes and American food as a whole. So one great way to honor the contributions of Black culture throughout history is by exploring—and most of all making—foods from the Black diaspora.
Related: How To Talk To Your Kids About Black History Month—And 25 Ways To Honor It
Best Black History Month Food Recipes
So what is the African Diaspora? The African Diaspora includes cultures descended from Africa all over the world. These recipes from the African Diaspora include traditional African American recipes, also known as "soul food," as well as recipes and foods originating in Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America. So these Black History Month food recipes are an exploration of foods of the African Diaspora, and how African heritage has influenced Black history and food.
Related: Best Black-Owned Restaurants In Every State
What is Black Culture Food?
This collection includes so many great examples of Black food culture, including Creole Shrimp and Grits, Jamaican Rice and Peas, Brazilian Fish Stew, Kenyan Pilau Rice and Trinidad Chicken Pelau. And of course, you'll find some of the best soul food recipes like Collard Greens, Southern Baked Beans and Sweet Potato Pie. So many ways to celebrate!
Related: 40 Authentic Soul Food Recipes to Honor and Celebrate Black History Month
25 Black History Month Recipes
Jerrelle Guy
This succulent Louisiana Barbecued Shrimp has zero bbq sauce and is instead braised in a white wine and garlic-butter sauce.
Get the recipe: Louisiana Barbecued Shrimp
Related: 50 Best Grilled Shrimp Recipes
Husk Charleston
Shrimp & Grits is meant to be an easy yet satisfying dish so it shouldn’t feel like a chore. Just have fun with it and make it your own by adding different toppings like a fried egg.
Get the recipe: Husk's Shrimp & Grits
Melissa Sperka
A Cajun twist on a Southern classic made with smoky bacon.
Get the recipe: Cajun Collard Greens
Antonis Achilleos
Sweet potatoes and dark red kidney beans combine with a flavorful peanutty broth in this stew.
Get the recipe: West African Red Bean and Sweet Potato Stew
Grandbaby Cakes
This Jamaican Rice and Peas Recipe is the BEST quintessential and authentic Caribbean side with perfectly fluffed rice and delicious red beans with a hint of coconut flavor and spices galore.
Get the recipe: Jamaican Rice and Peas Recipe
Grandbaby Cakes
Jollof Rice Recipe is a true West African classic and here is my take on it! Fragrant rice is steeped in rich ingredients like meat stock, garlic, onions, tomatoes and spicy chilies adding an incredible depth of flavor.
Get the recipe: Jollof Rice Recipe
Grandbaby Cakes
These Fried Plantains are irresistible! Ripe sweet plantains are fried until golden brown with a caramelized texture and sweet flavor that melts in your mouth.
Get the recipe: Fried Plantains
Black People's Recipes
This Black Folks Shrimp and Grits recipe is made with fluffy, creamy stone-ground grits and served with Southern Creole seasoned gravy. Pair this soul food staple with any of your favorite seafood or shellfish.
Get the recipe: Black Folks Shrimp and Grits
Related: 111 Greatest Shrimp Recipes
Black People's Recipes
This classic buttermilk pound cake is quintessential Southern comfort food. The perfect butter, sugar, eggs and flour ratio is pure heaven.
Get the recipe: Buttermilk Pound Cake
Grandbaby Cakes
Get ready for this perfect Chicken and Waffles Recipe. Imagine perfectly seasoned and crispy fried chicken on top of a fluffy, sweet and tender waffle!
Get the recipe: Homemade Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Food Fidelity
This Moqueca, AKA Brazilian fish stew is a rich, creamy curry-like fish stew made with shrimp that is perfect for a festive holiday dinner or a Sunday dinner change-up.
Get the recipe: Brazilian Fish Stew (Moqueca Baiana)
Black People's Recipes
Fried Plantain with Poulet DG (Director General) is a super flavorful African meal featuring fried plantains, chicken, and vegetables in a tasty herb sauce inspired by French cuisine. Fancy and delicious, this dish is traditionally reserved for special occasions.
Get the recipe: Fried Plantains with Poulet DG
This Bago Girl
The unofficial Trinidad national dish, Pelau. A hearty one-pot dish of caramelized chicken with rice and pigeon peas.
Get the recipe: Trinidad Chicken Pelau
Sense & Edibility
Sweet Potato Casserole with Coconut Pecan Topping is a beloved recipe in the African-American culture. This version gives the dish a nuttier, more tropical flavor in homage to the Afro-Caribbean. It's full of flavor with pumpkin pie spice, gluten-free and vegetarian. This recipe is also very freezer-friendly so it’s a great option for those busy holiday meals.
Get the recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Coconut Pecan Topping
My Pretty Brown Fit + Eats
These Southern Baked Beans are made with a whiskey maple BBQ sauce, ground beef made from plants, vegetables and delicious flavors. The perfect side dish for any occasion.
Get the recipe: Southern Baked Beans with (Plant-Based) Ground Beef
Chenée Today
This is the best vegan coconut cake with a rich lime glaze! This egg-free and dairy-free coconut cake recipe is a deliciously easy celebration dessert that everyone will love!
Get the recipe: Vegan Coconut Cake with Lime Glaze
We Eat At Last
This flavorful, fluffy and fragrant Swahili Pilau Rice is a must-try! This meal is naturally gluten-free and can be made ahead. Pair it up with some salad for a complete meal.
Get the recipe: Swahili Kenyan Pilau Rice
Britney Breaks Bread
Peanut Curry Braised Ribs is a delicious recipe that you will never forget! These braised ribs are so good, you'll be making them over and over again!
Get the recipe: Peanut Curry Braised Ribs
Related: 44 Keto-Friendly Curry Recipes
Jamieson Diaries
This delicious meal is full of the special flavors that make Belize so unique. From the onion sauce to the textures, it’s the perfect flavor clash you never knew you needed.
Get the recipe: Belizean Garnaches
Related: 40 Crock Pot Mexican Recipes
Nkechi Ajaeroh
Insanely delicious party-style Basmati Jollof Rice is the perfect side dish for any occasion. The fusion of basmati rice with tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, curry, thyme, bay leaves and other herbs/spices makes this party Jollof absolutely flavorful and tasty! The best part about making Basmati Jollof Rice is that it takes no time to cook.
Get the recipe: Party-Style Nigerian Basmati Jollof Rice
Good Food Baddie
Crispy Air Fryer Okra is a healthier way to make crunchy southern fried okra without the excessive amount of oil. The flavorful crunchy coating is made with cornmeal, seasonings and gluten-free flour. This crispy okra recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free and incredibly delicious!
Get the recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Okra
Sim's Home Kitchen
This easy Nigerian meat pie recipe will have your family and friends coming back for more! Learn how to make meat pie dough soft and fill each pie with a homemade delicious savory minced beef, carrot and potato filling. Serve meat pie as a snack or appetizer.
Get the recipe: Nigerian Meat Pie Recipe
Mochas and Mimosas
Caribbean Pumpkin Fritters. Sweet, tender and crispy pumpkin fritters make a delicious breakfast, dessert or snack.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Fritters Recipe
My Diaspora Kitchen
This is an easy, tasty pasta recipe with a nice twist. Nigerian-style Jollof Spaghetti with Kale makes for a great side dish—and it's so delicious.
Get the recipe: Kale Jollof Spaghetti and Meatballs
The Vgn Way
Southern Sweet Potato Bread, a classic old-fashioned quick bread loaf with a twist, topped with a cinnamon and spice streusel topping. A moist, tender homemade quick bread that’s gluten-free and vegan.
Get the recipe: Easy Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Quick Bread (Southern Style)
Related: 50 Best Sweet Potato Recipes
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