There’s something truly special about gathering around the table for a *New Year’s soul food dinner*. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of tradition, family, and hope for the year ahead. I remember my grandmother tirelessly preparing these dishes every New Year’s Day, filling the house with the most inviting aromas. The smoky flavor of collard greens, the sweetness of candied yams, and that crispy fried chicken—each bite was a reminder of our Southern roots and the blessings we hoped to carry into the new year. This recipe embraces those classic Southern flavors and traditions, combining rich, hearty dishes that symbolize prosperity and good fortune. Trust me, when you serve this spread, you’ll not only satisfy your taste buds but also create lasting memories with your loved ones.
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious *New Year’s soul food dinner*. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Collard Greens: 1 bunch, washed and chopped. Look for fresh greens with deep green leaves and no yellowing.
- Black-eyed Peas: 1 cup, soaked overnight. This step is crucial as it helps them cook evenly and enhances their flavor.
- Cornbread: 1 pan, baked to a golden brown. You can use your favorite recipe or a store-bought mix if you’re short on time.
- Fried Chicken: 4 pieces, seasoned and ready to fry. Use a mix of dark and white meat for variety and flavor.
- Macaroni and Cheese: 1 baking dish, creamy and cheesy. This is a must-have side dish that everyone will love!
- Candied Yams: 4 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced. Choose firm, sweet potatoes for the best results.
- Gravy: 2 cups, made from chicken drippings. This adds an extra layer of flavor to the meal, so don’t skip it!
Make sure to have all these ingredients on hand before you start cooking, and you’ll be all set for a fantastic feast!
How to Prepare a New Years Soul Food Dinner
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into preparing a spectacular *New Year’s soul food dinner*! It might seem like a lot, but with a little organization, you’ll have everything on the table in no time.
Preparing the Collard Greens
First up, let’s tackle those collard greens! Start by washing them thoroughly to remove any grit. I like to fill a large bowl with cold water and swish the greens around, then lift them out and let the dirt settle at the bottom. Next, stack a few leaves, roll them up tightly, and slice them into strips about an inch wide. This will help them cook evenly and soak up all that delicious flavor!
Soaking the Black-eyed Peas
Don’t forget about the black-eyed peas! You’ll want to soak them overnight in plenty of water. This not only softens them but also helps enhance their flavor. If you forget to soak them, you can do a quick soak by boiling them for about 10 minutes and then letting them sit for an hour. Trust me, this step is essential for achieving that perfect texture!
Baking the Cornbread
Time for the cornbread! Preheat your oven according to your recipe’s instructions. If you’re using a mix, follow the package directions for the best results. One tip I swear by is to preheat your pan with a little butter in the oven before pouring in the batter. This creates a delightful crust that everyone will love!
Frying the Chicken
Now for the star of the show—fried chicken! Heat a deep skillet or Dutch oven with several inches of oil to about 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, season your chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and any spices you love. Fry them for about 10-15 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you want them to fry evenly!
Making the Macaroni and Cheese
For the macaroni and cheese, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. While that’s cooking, melt butter in a saucepan, stir in some flour to make a roux, and gradually whisk in milk until you have a smooth sauce. Add in your favorite cheeses (I recommend sharp cheddar!) and mix until bubbly and cheesy. Combine with the cooked pasta and bake until golden and bubbly!
Preparing the Candied Yams
Next, let’s get those candied yams ready! Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into rounds or chunks, then place them in a baking dish. Don’t skimp on the sweetness—add brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla to make them truly irresistible. Cover and bake until tender, stirring occasionally to ensure they’re evenly coated in that lovely syrup!
Making the Gravy
Finally, let’s whip up some gravy! After frying your chicken, don’t discard those tasty drippings. Pour them into a saucepan, and add a bit of flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This gravy is the perfect finishing touch!
Serving the Dinner
Once everything is cooked, it’s time to serve! Arrange all your dishes on a large platter, starting with the collard greens and black-eyed peas, followed by the fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and candied yams. Drizzle gravy over the chicken and serve while everything is warm. Your family and friends will be ready to dig in and celebrate the new year together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With a little planning, you can whip up this feast in just over an hour and a half!
- Traditional Flavors: Each dish is a beloved classic that brings the comforting tastes of Southern cuisine right to your table.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This *New Year’s soul food dinner* is sure to impress family and friends, making it perfect for gatherings.
- Symbolic Dishes: With black-eyed peas for luck and collard greens for wealth, you’re not just serving food, you’re sharing wishes for the year ahead.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious greens and sweet potatoes, this meal is both hearty and wholesome.
- Celebratory Spirit: This dinner is more than just a meal; it’s about coming together to celebrate new beginnings and cherished traditions.
Tips for Success
When it comes to making the *New Year’s soul food dinner*, a few pro tips can really elevate your cooking experience and the final result. Here are my top suggestions to ensure everything goes smoothly:
- Prep Ahead: To save time on the big day, prep as much as you can the night before. Wash and chop your collard greens, soak the black-eyed peas, and even bake the cornbread if you like.
- Ingredient Substitutions: If collard greens aren’t available, feel free to use mustard or turnip greens instead. For vegan options, swap out the chicken with crispy tofu and use vegetable broth for the gravy.
- Frying Chicken: For perfectly crispy fried chicken, use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C). This ensures the chicken cooks through without burning the coating.
- Mac and Cheese Variations: Feel free to get creative with your macaroni and cheese! Add in some cooked bacon, jalapeños for a kick, or even a blend of cheeses like gouda and mozzarella for extra creaminess.
- Serving Suggestions: Arrange your dinner in a way that’s visually appealing! Use a large platter to showcase all the vibrant colors of your dishes. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top can add a lovely touch!
- Leftover Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in airtight containers and refrigerate. These dishes reheat beautifully, making for delightful meals in the days following your feast!
By following these tips, you’ll not only make your *New Year’s soul food dinner* easier to prepare, but you’ll also impress everyone with a delicious and heartfelt meal. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying your *New Year’s soul food dinner*, it’s good to be mindful of the nutritional aspects, but keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. I always recommend checking the nutrition labels of your ingredients for the most accurate information.
Here’s a general idea of what you can expect for one serving (approximately one plate) of this delightful meal:
- Calories: 800
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 30g
Enjoy every bite of this hearty meal, and don’t forget that food is not just about numbers—it’s about the love and tradition that comes with it!
FAQs
How long does it take to cook a *New Year’s soul food dinner*?
From start to finish, you can expect around 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare this delicious spread. Of course, a bit of prep work the night before can save you even more time on the day!
Can I substitute black-eyed peas with another bean?
Absolutely! If you can’t find black-eyed peas, feel free to swap them out with pinto beans or even lentils. Just remember to soak or cook them accordingly!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, and they’ll taste just as good!
Can I make this dinner vegetarian?
Yes, you can! For a vegetarian version, skip the fried chicken and use vegetable broth for the gravy. You can also replace the macaroni and cheese with a veggie-packed pasta dish!
What’s the significance of black-eyed peas and collard greens in this dinner?
Great question! Black-eyed peas symbolize luck and prosperity, while collard greens represent wealth. These traditional dishes are often served on New Year’s Day to bring good fortune for the year ahead!
New Year’s Soul Food Dinner: 7 Dishes for Prosperity
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A traditional New Year’s soul food dinner featuring classic dishes for celebration.
Zutaten
- Collard Greens – 1 bunch
- Black-eyed Peas – 1 cup
- Cornbread – 1 pan
- Fried Chicken – 4 pieces
- Macaroni and Cheese – 1 baking dish
- Candied Yams – 4 sweet potatoes
- Gravy – 2 cups
Anweisungen
- Wash and chop the collard greens.
- Soak black-eyed peas overnight.
- Prepare cornbread according to the recipe.
- Fry chicken until golden brown.
- Cook macaroni and cheese until bubbly.
- Peel and slice sweet potatoes for candied yams.
- Make gravy from chicken drippings.
- Serve all dishes warm on a large platter.
Notes
- Black-eyed peas symbolize luck.
- Collard greens represent wealth.
- Prepare dishes in advance for convenience.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 1 hour
- Kategorie: Dinner
- Methode: Stovetop and Oven
- Küche: Southern
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 plate
- Kalorien: 800
- Zucker: 15g
- Natrium: 1200mg
- Fett: 40g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 10g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 80g
- Faser: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterin: 100mg
Keywords: new years soul food dinner, traditional soul food, southern cuisine
