5 Soulful Recipes to Kick Off Black History Month

Celebrated throughout February, Black History Month honors black culture and the contributions of black people in U.S. history. The celebration first started gaining traction on college campuses back in the 1960s until it was recognized by President Gerald Ford in 1976. Each year, Black History Month endorses a different theme - and this year's is "African Americans and the Arts."(1) So, since cooking is a form of art, we decided to round up five jubilant recipes from across the African diaspora (think Africa, the Caribbean, the American South, and beyond) that celebrate Black History Month and its century-long legacy.

Sausage Cheddar Biscuits

Studded with sausage bits and Cheddar, these biscuits are the perfect side dish for any meal throughout Black History Month. They're also super flaky and tender for a unique melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 1 cup textured soy protein (TSP) sausage bits
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 2/3 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

Add the sausage to a bowl and fill with enough warm water to coat. Soak for 15 minutes. Once hydrated, drain the water, squeeze away excess liquid, and set aside.

Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Add the butter, sausage, and Cheddar cheese. Stir to combine.

Slowly pour the milk and knead until you form a dough. Flour a working surface and transfer the dough. Roll out until it is 1/2-inch thick. Cut the biscuits and transfer them onto the baking sheet.

Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven, let cool, and enjoy!

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato is a beloved ingredient in the African American food culture. In this casserole recipe, the root veggie turns rich, velvety, and just the right amount of nutty (thanks to the pecan topping) to fill your Black History Month menu with flavor.

Ingredients:

For the casserole

• 5 cups dried sweet potatoes
• 2/3 cup whole milk
• 1/3 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the pecan topping

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/3 cup butter, melted and cooled
• 1 1/3 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions:

Add the sweet potatoes to a large pot and cover with enough water to coat. Soak for 15 minutes. Transfer the pot to the stovetop and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain the water and transfer to a bowl.

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 baking dish.

Mash the potatoes and add the milk, butter, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix to combine and spread the mixture evenly on the pan.

Mix the flour, sugar, butter, and pecans in a separate bowl until combined. Top the sweet potato mixture with the pecans and bake for 30 minutes or until the pecan topping is golden. Remove from the oven, let cool, and serve.

Berbere Lentil Chili

Berbere is a popular Ethiopian spice blend. It is an aromatic combination of cardamom, coriander, cumin, and many other everyday seasonings you probably already have at home. That said, don't feel obligated to scan every specialty store in your neighborhood if you want to make this dish. Make some in advance and save the rest for your other Black History Month dishes.

Ingredients:

For Berbere spice blend

• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/2 tsp ground fenugreek
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp garlic granules
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

For the chili

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup dried onions
• 3 tbsp berbere spice
• 1 tbsp dark brown sugar
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 5 cups vegetable stock
• 1 cup dehydrated lentils
• 2/3 cup dehydrated kidney beans
• One 16-ounce can of tomatoes
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Add all the spices to a small bowl and combine. Set aside.

Add the lentils and beans to a bowl and fill with enough warm water to coat. Soak for 15 minutes. Once hydrated, drain the water and set aside.

Add the olive oil and butter to a large pot and heat over medium heat. Stir in the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add the berbere and sugar and sauté for another couple of minutes.

Stir in the tomato paste and 1 cup of vegetable stock and simmer. Add all the remaining ingredients, turn the heat to medium-low, and cook for 30 minutes or until the beans are cooked. Serve with a slice of warm bread or your favorite salad.

Jollof Rice with Beef

Priding itself as one of Africa's tastiest dishes, Jollof rice is a treat for the senses. Its intense aromas, spicy flavor, and eye-catching red color make for a culinary experience for the ages. For a complete meal, go with this riff that adds a cupful of beef for a protein boost.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups textured soy protein beef bits
• 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed
• 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup dried onions
• 1 cup vegetable or beef stock
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Add the beef to a bowl and fill with warm water until coated. Soak for 15 minutes. Once hydrated, drain the water, squeeze away excess liquid, and set aside.

Add the olive oil to a large pot and heat over medium heat. Add the onions and beef and sautée for 4-5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, sauce, curry powder, and thyme, and cook for another few minutes.

Stir in the rice, sautée for another minute, and pour in the vegetable stock. Season with salt and pepper, if you will. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and cook for 15 minutes or until all the liquid evaporates.

Remove the pot from the heat and let the Jollof rice sit for another 15 minutes with the lid still on. Using a fork, fluff the rice and let it cool for 5 minutes. Enjoy!

Coconut Lime Bundt Cake

A dessert with a Southern past, this coconut lime cake is the perfect way to sweeten your menu during Black History Month. You can make the treat even more tropical by adding a cup of mango that'll pleasantly surprise anyone who bites into it.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1/4 cup desiccated coconut
• 1/2 cup freeze dried mangos
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tbsp lime zest

Instructions:

Add the mangoes to a bowl and fill with enough water to coat. Soak for 15 minutes. Once hydrated, drain the water and set aside.

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a Bundt cake pan.

Add the butter and sugar to a bowl and mix using a hand mixer. Beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time and mix to combine.

Mix in the coconut, mangoes, lime zest, and juice. Add the flour and baking powder and beat until well combined.

Transfer the butter to the pan and bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean. Remove from the oven, let cool, and serve.

How will you celebrate Black History Month this year? Let us know in the comments below!

References:

https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month

https://thesouthernladycooks.com/sausage-cheese-biscuits/

https://www.melskitchencafe.com/sweet-potato-casserole-with-buttery-pecan-topping/

https://justcook.butcherbox.com/nigerian-beef-jollof-rice/

https://flightsandfoods.com/spicy-berbere-lentil-chili/#

https://dinnerthendessert.com/coconut-lime-bundt-cake/

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