5 Classic Summer Southern Dishes
Now that summer has arrived, it’s time for those seasonal recipes to hit the tables. In the south, summer recipes are a specialty. From side dishes to the main course, they have some of the best dishes that are now classics at the dinner table. Take a look at these five classic summer Southern dishes:
Collard Greens with Bacon
One of the most famous Southern dishes is collard greens. This side dish is often cooked with a ham hock or hog jowl. Although collard greens are usually served up on New Year’s Day as good luck, the greens are the perfect addition to the summer feast. When served up with delicious, crispy bacon, sauteed onion, garlic, and a bit of brown sugar on top, it will add the perfect touch to any meal.
Chicken Fried Steak
This recipe has become a Southern staple. Chicken fried steak known as comfort food and a great meal for the soul, cube steak is breaded then pan-fried and served on top of homemade mashed potatoes. This dish is then topped off with creamy milk gravy and served hot. No matter where you grew up, this chicken fried steak is one of the greatest recipes brought out of the south.
Fried Catfish
Another great main dish for your summer table is fried catfish. The South has always been known for frying up fish and creating delicious meals from them. They’re widely famous for deep frying everything, and catfish is no different. The catfish is breaded in spicy cornmeal and deep-fried until the outside is crispy and golden brown. This dish is best served with tartar sauce and hushpuppies.
Cajun Shrimp and Grits
One of the most famous Southern recipes is cajun shrimp and grits. Perfect for summer nights, cajun shrimp and grits is the best kind of comfort food from the sea. The grits are prepared with sharp white cheddar, it is topped with Cajun shrimp and sauteed peppers and onions. The best part of this recipe is that it can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Hushpuppies
Another classic side dish that goes great with every summer meal is hush puppies. Hush puppies are the Southern’s version of french fries. The little balls are made by mixing cornmeal flour, spices, green onion, buttermilk, and eggs. The mixture is balled and deep fried and served as a side dish for seafood, barbeque, and just about every other Southern meal you can think of.
