1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 head cauliflower, riced
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cajun seasoning to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
4 chicken legs
1 cup buttermilk
1 tbsp hot sauce
1 cup flour
1 tsp paprika
1 cup grits
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup chopped vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, etc.)
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 onion, sliced
1 cup vegetable broth
2 tbsp flour
Salt and pepper to tasteJackson Beaumont is a Southern gentleman with a flair for home decor. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Jackson has a keen eye for Southern style and elegance. He loves to share his tips and tricks for creating a warm and inviting home.
Absolutely, I'd be delighted to share some traditional Southern dishes that can be made with a modern twist. As a lover of Southern home cooking, I've spent years exploring and experimenting with these recipes, bringing a contemporary touch to these timeless classics.
Breathing New Life into Southern Classics
Let's dive into some of the most beloved Southern recipes and how you can modernize them without losing their essential charm and flavor.
Shrimp and Grits: A Modern Spin on a Southern Staple
Starting with the quintessential Southern dish, Shrimp and Grits. The modern twist? Substitute traditional grits with cauliflower grits for a healthier, low-carb version. You can also add a dash of spice with some Cajun seasoning for an extra kick.
Modern Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits
You will need:
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 head cauliflower, riced
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cajun seasoning to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté shrimp with Cajun seasoning and set aside.
- In a pot, bring chicken broth to a boil.
- Add riced cauliflower and cook until tender.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Serve the cauliflower grits topped with the sautéed shrimp.
Notes
You can add more Cajun seasoning if you prefer your dish to be spicier. Also, feel free to garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for added color and flavor.
Learn more about 🌽 Grits and Gravy with a Modern Twist 🍄 or discover other Grits N Grace recipes.
Fried Chicken, Reimagined: A Healthier Approach
Another staple of Southern cuisine is Fried Chicken. To make it healthier and modern, you can oven-bake it instead of deep-frying. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce overnight, then coat it in a mixture of flour and spices. Bake until golden brown and crispy.
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Fried Chicken
You will need:
4 chicken legs
1 cup buttermilk
1 tbsp hot sauce
1 cup flour
1 tsp paprika- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce overnight.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Mix flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat marinated chicken in flour mixture.
- Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and crispy.
Notes
Remember, the key to a flavorful chicken is to marinate it overnight. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken while the hot sauce gives it a kick. Also, don't forget to preheat your oven before baking to ensure a crispy exterior.
Grits and Gravy: A Hearty Dish with a Contemporary Twist
Let's not forget about a hearty plate of Grits and Gravy. The modern twist here could be using a mushroom and onion gravy instead of the traditional sausage gravy, and serving it with vegetable grits.
Grits and Gravy with a Modern Twist
You will need:
1 cup grits
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup chopped vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, etc.)
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 onion, sliced
1 cup vegetable broth
2 tbsp flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook grits in vegetable broth.
- Add vegetables when grits are almost done.
- For the gravy, sauté mushrooms and onions until caramelized.
- Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and onions, stir until combined.
- Slowly add vegetable broth, stirring until the gravy thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve the vegetable grits topped with mushroom and onion gravy.
Notes
Feel free to experiment with different types of vegetables in your grits or different types of mushrooms in your gravy. This is a versatile dish that can be tailored to your personal preference.
These are just a few examples of how you can modernize traditional Southern dishes. The key is to maintain the essence of the dish while adding your personal touch. After all, that's what Southern comfort food is all about - making it your own.
Modernizing Traditional Southern Dishes Quiz
Test your knowledge about modernizing traditional Southern dishes.
Learn more about 🔮 Modernizing Traditional Southern Dishes Quiz or discover other Grits N Grace quizzes.
For more southern home cooking ideas and grits n grace recipes, do check out our other posts. Happy cooking!
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