The 5 Southern Foods of Martin Luther King Jr.

When we think of Martin Luther King Jr., we often focus on his incredible contributions to the civil rights movement and his powerful speeches that continue to inspire us today. However, it’s important to remember that he was also a person with personal preferences and tastes, including his culinary preferences. While there may not be an extensive record of the specific foods he loved or liked, we can explore some dishes that were popular during his time and that he may have enjoyed. Here are 5 delicious foods that might have been favorites of Martin Luther King Jr., along with step-by-step recipes and serving sizes:

Martin Luther King Jr.’s five liked foods

1. Southern Fried Chicken

It’s no secret that Southern cuisine holds a special place in the hearts of many, and Martin Luther King Jr. was no exception. Southern fried chicken is a classic dish that is loved by people of all backgrounds. Here’s a simple recipe to recreate this mouthwatering dish:

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken drumsticks
• 4 chicken thighs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
3. In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
4. Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil, skin side down.
5. Fry the chicken for about 10 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Remove the chicken from the oil and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

This recipe serves 4 people.

2. Collard Greens

Collard greens are a staple in Southern cooking and are often served alongside dishes like fried chicken. They are a flavorful and nutritious side dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Here’s how to prepare them:

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch collard greens
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Wash the collard greens thoroughly and remove the tough stems.
2. Stack the leaves on top of each other and roll them tightly. Slice the rolled leaves into thin strips.
3. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Add the collard greens, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the collard greens are tender.
8. Serve hot as a side dish.

This recipe serves 4 people.

3. Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a beloved dessert in the Southern United States and is often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions. Its rich and creamy texture makes it a delightful treat. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups cooked sweet potatoes, mashed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 unbaked pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, beaten eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
3. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
4. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the pie is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Allow the pie to cool before serving.

This recipe makes 8 servings.

4. Biscuits and Gravy

Biscuits and gravy is a hearty breakfast dish that is popular in the Southern United States. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of day. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
6. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits and place them on a baking sheet.
7. Bake the biscuits for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. While the biscuits are baking, cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
9. In the same skillet, whisk in the flour until it’s well combined with the sausage drippings.
10. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens.
11. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
12. Serve the biscuits topped with the sausage gravy.

This recipe makes 8 servings.

5. Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is a classic Southern dessert that is loved for its sweet and juicy peaches and buttery crust. It’s a delightful way to end a meal. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups sliced peaches
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. Pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
6. Spoon the peach mixture over the batter, distributing it evenly.
7. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the peaches are bubbly.
8. Allow the peach cobbler to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.

In Conclusion

While we may not have an exact list of Martin Luther King Jr.’s favorite foods, we can imagine that he enjoyed the comforting and delicious flavors of Southern cuisine. These 5 dishes, including Southern fried chicken, collard greens, sweet potato pie, biscuits and gravy, and peach cobbler, are just a taste of the culinary delights that might have brought him joy. So why not try preparing one of these dishes and take a moment to reflect on the legacy of Dr. King while enjoying a delicious meal?