Black History Recipes

Did you know that when Africans were brought to America as slaves, they brought many delicious recipes with them? When they arrived in Jamestown, they remembered the foods that they'd eaten in Africa. They also learned new recipes from Native Americans who befriended them and showed them different plants and herbs with which to cook.

Today, these recipes are still used by African Americans, as well as other cultures. They are delicious and nutritious. Pay tribute to Black History Month by asking an adult to help you make one or more of these recipes.

Collard Greens

What you will need:

4 lbs. (pounds) collard greens

leftover ham (turkey, smoked ham and pork hocks can also be used)

water

½ teaspoon table salt

½ medium onion, finely diced

1 red pepper, crushed (you may also used dried red pepper flakes)

What to do:

Place all ingredients in a medium sized pot.

Cover with water.

Bring to a boil.

Simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally

Serve while hot!

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Hoppin' John

What you will need:

2 cups dried black-eyed peas

water

1 ham hock with the meat cut from the bone

2 cups onion, finely chopped

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 cups brown rice, raw

½ cup pickle relish

1 cup cheddar cheese, grated

What to do:

Place peas in a large pot.

Cover with water and bring to a boil.

Boil for 3 minutes.

Remove from heat.

Let stand or at least one hour.

Add meat, onions and pepper flakes.

Add water to cover and cook on medium heat for 45 minutes, or until peas are tender.

Add water if needed.

Stir in rice and simmer for ½ hour, or until rice is cooked.

Stir in cheddar cheese and pickle relish.

Serve!

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Fried Corn Bread

What you will need:

½ cup corn meal

1/3 cup white sugar

11/2 cups flour

1/3 cup water

What to do:

Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl

Stir together until thick (consistency should be about the same as cake batter)

Oil a frying pan and place on stove on high heat. Watch it carefully.

When the oil spatters when you put a drop of water in it, the pan is ready for the cornbread

Pour corn bread batter into the frying pan

Brown on both sides, as you would pancakes

Insert a toothpick into the center of the corn bread. When it comes out clean, the corn bread is finished cooking.

Cut and serve while hot

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Fruit Salad

What you will need:

Gather any of the following fruits. They can be fresh or canned.

Pineapple, banana, mango, papaya, avocado, watermelon

Other ingredients needed:

crush mint leaves or ½ cup lemon juice

½ cup coconut (either fresh or packaged)

peanut of cashew pieces (if you only have whole ones, crush them yourself)

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