Celebrate Black History Month and the Cultural Flavors that Influence American Cuisine
America is made up of many cultures and traditions that have influenced all aspects of the national tapestry, particularly its cuisine. In celebration of these cultures, LAWRY’S is proud to announce its yearlong celebration, “Cooking Up Culture,” with B. Smith.
Each month Lawry’s will feature a cultural theme, and spotlight inspiring recipes. Renowned restaurateur and author, B. Smith, will tour the nation conducting food demonstrations to give home cooks tips on how to prepare culturally influenced recipes. In honor of Black History Month, LAWRY’S has chosen to feature African cuisine.
“It’s very easy for foods to be lumped into one category, but American cuisine is created from the diverse cultures that make up the United States,” says Smith. “American food is usually seen as comfort food, but foods such as pizza and hot dogs have their origins in Italy and Germany, respectively. Culture has had a tremendous impact on the way American cuisine has evolved and LAWRY’S is acknowledging its significance with the Cooking Up Culture program.”
American cuisine is a fusion of the multiple ethnicities and regional influences. However, over time, culturally specific dishes have evolved into mainstream American cuisines. Grains and meats more commonly used among certain ethnic groups have made their way into recipes we can find on many tables and in restaurants across the country. Rice, for example, is a staple food in East, South, and Southeast Asia. With the arrival of people from these regions and their introduction of a beloved food, meals such as rice and broccoli casserole and cheesy rice have become popular “American” meals.
Because each state had its own cultural influences, traditional African dishes took on the qualities from that region. Rich and saucy dishes with a French accent came from Louisiana, while the Carolina's Spanish culture introduced dishes like jambalaya. Some historians and food experts believe that recipes for bouillabaisse and cassoulet were altered to make what we know and love as gumbo, made with shellfish from the bayou and okra.
Many traditionally African dishes have become favorites for people of many different nationalities and ethnicities—vegetables like eggplant and dishes such as stew are now considered staple foods. Favorite American recipes like smothered chicken, catfish, macaroni and cheese and many more have their origins in African cuisine.
“The rich vegetables and fruits of Africa have had such a major influence on the foods in America,” said Smith. “Meals traditionally consumed by African-Americans during times of slavery have morphed in meals served in upscale American cuisine restaurants. Dishes like blackened catfish can be found on many menus across the country, from top chefs of all ethnicities. Without the influence of Africans on American cuisine, many of today’s most popular cuisines would be viewed in a completely different light, or we wouldn’t know about them at all.”
When cooking at home, we encourage you to incorporate different cultural influences into daily meals. By adding a little cultural flair to your breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can create a whole new meal to excite your palette as well those around your kitchen table. Use LAWRY’S Teriyaki, Havana Garlic and Lime, or Caribbean Jerk Marinades to create your own cultural spin on any one of your favorite American cuisines.
Commemorate Black History Month with these traditional African-American recipes (with LAWRY’S flair, of course!):
Bayou Gumbo
Deep-Fried Okra
Festive Hoppin’ John
Grilled Corn & Black-Eyed Peas Salad
LAWRY’S Jambalaya
Mess ‘O Greens
Parmesan Grits
Southern-Style Catfish with Dirty Rice
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