10 Meal Ideas Black People Love

Introduction

Food is more than nourishment—it’s culture, connection, and comfort. In Black communities across the USA, meals often carry deep roots, rich traditions, and stories passed down through generations. Whether it’s Sunday dinner with the family or a quick weeknight fix, these 10 meal ideas Black people love are bursting with flavor and history.

1. Southern Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken drumsticks or thighs
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

• Soak chicken in buttermilk for at least 4 hours (overnight best).
• In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt & pepper.
• Remove chicken from buttermilk, coat in flour mixture.
• Fry in hot oil (350°F) for 12–15 mins until golden & cooked through.

Variations: Use air fryer for a healthier version.

Storage Tip: Store in airtight container, reheat in oven at 375°F to keep crispy.

2. Oxtail Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs oxtails
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 3 cups beef broth

Instructions:

• Sear oxtails with brown sugar in a large pot.
• Add onion, pepper, garlic. Cook until softened.
• Stir in thyme, allspice, ketchup.
• Add broth, cover and simmer for 2–3 hours.

CookWithKushal Tip: Serve over rice with cabbage.

3. Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

Ingredients:

• 1 lb collard greens, chopped
• 1 smoked turkey leg
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

• Simmer turkey leg in broth 30 mins.
• Add onion, greens, vinegar. Cook for 45–60 mins.
• Season to taste.

4. Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar
• 1 cup mozzarella
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

• Boil pasta until al dente.
• In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour to make a roux.
• Slowly add milk, stir until thickened.
• Add cheeses, stir until melted.
• Mix with pasta, pour into baking dish. Bake at 375°F for 25 mins.

5. Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup grits
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar

Instructions:

• Cook grits with water and milk until thick. Stir in cheese.
• Sauté shrimp with Cajun seasoning.
• Serve shrimp over creamy grits.

6. Fried Catfish

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt & pepper
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

• Dredge fillets in cornmeal mixture.
• Fry until golden and crisp, 3–4 mins per side.
• Serve with hot sauce or tartar sauce.

7. Jambalaya

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 1/2 lb andouille sausage
• 1/2 lb shrimp
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions:

• Sauté sausage, shrimp, veggies.
• Add rice, seasoning, broth.
• Cover and simmer 25 mins until rice is tender.

8. Sweet Potato Pie

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 pie crust

Instructions:

• Mix all ingredients, pour into crust.
• Bake at 350°F for 45–50 mins.

9. BBQ Ribs (Oven-Baked)

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork ribs
• 1/4 cup dry rub
• 1 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions:

• Rub ribs, wrap in foil.
• Bake at 300°F for 2.5 hours.
• Unwrap, baste with BBQ sauce, broil for 10 mins.

10. Red Beans and Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 can red beans
• 1/2 lb smoked sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup rice
• 2 tsp Creole seasoning

Instructions:

• Cook sausage, onions, garlic.
• Add beans, seasoning, simmer 20 mins.
• Serve over cooked rice.

FAQs

Q1: Are these recipes suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Dishes like red beans and rice, mac and cheese, and collard greens reheat well and make great leftovers.

Q2: Can I make these recipes healthier?
You can air-fry instead of deep-fry, reduce cheese or butter, or use smoked turkey instead of pork in greens or beans.

Q3: Are these recipes kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Most kids love fried chicken, mac and cheese, and sweet potato pie.

Want a dessert to go with these? Check out my Calorie Deficit Breakfast Ideas to Jumpstart Your Morning for a sweet citrus twist after a soul food feast!