The warmth and comfort of Southern cuisine never fails to hit the spot. And when it comes to Low Country cooking, there’s no shortage of flavorful dishes that will leave you feeling like you’re sittin’ on the porch swing on a lazy summer afternoon. From classic shrimp and grits to hearty boils and rich stews, these 18 recipes showcase the best of Low Country cuisine. Whether you’re a native Southerner or just looking for some inspiration in the kitchen, this collection is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the flavors and traditions that define Low Country cooking, from the spices and seasonings to the ingredients and techniques that make these dishes truly unforgettable. So grab a glass of sweet tea and get ready to indulge in some good ol’ fashioned comfort food with these 18 flavorful Low Country recipes.
Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage
A classic Southern dish gets a bold boost from spicy Andouille sausage and succulent shrimp. This comforting recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 slices Andouille sausage, sliced
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook grits according to package instructions with 2 cups of water. Stir in butter, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, cook Andouille sausage over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add shrimp to the same skillet and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Stir in cooked grits into the skillet with shrimp. Combine well to coat.
5. If desired, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top and stir until melted.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Low Country Boil with Corn and Potatoes
Experience the classic Southern flavor of Low Country boil with the added sweetness of corn and potatoes! This hearty one-pot dish is perfect for a casual dinner or potluck gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 medium-sized red potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 lemon, sliced (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the ingredients. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
2. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the potatoes, corn, Old Bay seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Add the shrimp and continue to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
5. Remove from heat. Squeeze a slice of lemon over the top, if desired. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
She-Crab Soup with Sherry Cream
A classic Lowcountry recipe that combines fresh crab, cream, and sherry for a rich and indulgent treat. This creamy soup is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup dry sherry
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound fresh lump crab meat (jumbo lump or claw meat)
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in paprika and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add crab meat, heavy cream, and sherry. Bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let soup cook for 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Charleston Red Rice with Smoked Sausage
Experience the rich flavors of the Lowcountry with this classic dish that combines smoky sausage, flavorful rice, and a hint of spice. This hearty side dish is perfect for accompanying your favorite Southern-inspired meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a large saucepan.
2. Add the rice, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
3. In a separate skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the butter, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper to the sausage pan. Cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Combine the cooked rice and sausage mixture in a serving dish.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Hoppin’ John with Collard Greens
This classic Lowcountry dish combines the comforting warmth of black-eyed peas and rice with the earthy goodness of collard greens. Perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and drained
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups collard greens, chopped
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add soaked black-eyed peas, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add cooked rice to the pot, stirring to combine with the pea mixture.
4. Add chopped collard greens and apple cider vinegar. Simmer until greens are tender, about 10 minutes.
5. Serve hot, garnished with a dash of red pepper flakes if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Fried Green Tomatoes with Remoulade Sauce
A classic Southern dish that’s perfect for a warm evening or as a side to your favorite meal. This recipe combines the crispy, savory flavor of fried green tomatoes with a tangy and creamy remoulade sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 green tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Remoulade Sauce (recipe below)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Remoulade Sauce:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each tomato slice into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture.
4. Fry coated tomatoes in hot oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Drain on paper towels.
6. Serve fried green tomatoes with remoulade sauce and chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Okra and Tomato Stew with Bacon
This Okra and Tomato Stew with Bacon is a classic Southern-inspired dish that combines the tender texture of okra, the sweetness of tomatoes, and the smokiness of bacon. Perfect for a cozy evening meal or a comforting lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound okra, sliced
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into small pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon from the pot, leaving the drippings behind.
3. Add the onion, garlic, and paprika to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the okra, tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper to the pot.
5. Simmer the stew for 20-25 minutes or until the okra is tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs
Elevate your deviled egg game with the addition of creamy pimento cheese. This simple yet impressive appetizer is perfect for parties, picnics, or just a quick snack.
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup pimento cheese spread (or homemade pimento cheese)
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Paprika or chopped chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks.
2. In a bowl, mix together the yolks, mayonnaise, pimento cheese spread, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Spoon the yolk mixture evenly into the egg white halves.
4. Sprinkle with paprika or chopped chives if desired.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and chill.
Southern Fried Catfish with Hush Puppies
Get ready for a classic Southern treat that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This recipe combines the flaky goodness of catfish with the sweet, crunchy delight of hush puppies.
Ingredients:
For the Catfish:
– 4 catfish fillets (1-2 pounds each)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
For the Hush Puppies:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each catfish fillet into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry catfish for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. For hush puppies, mix together flour, cornmeal, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Add buttermilk and stir until just combined (batter should still be slightly lumpy).
6. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into hot oil, cooking for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Serve catfish with hush puppies and your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes total, depending on the size of your catfish fillets.
Gullah-style Crab Rice
This hearty, flavorful dish is a staple of Gullah cuisine, a unique blend of African and Caribbean traditions. This recipe combines succulent crab meat with aromatic rice and spices to create a mouthwatering main course or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat (fresh or frozen)
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups water
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in crab meat, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
5. Add rice to the skillet, stirring to combine with the crab mixture.
6. Add water to the skillet, bringing the mixture to a boil.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
A classic Southern dish that’s perfect for a comforting meal or as a side to your favorite barbecue. This recipe showcases the tender, slightly sweet flavor of collard greens paired with the savory goodness of ham hocks.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh or frozen collard greens
– 2 ham hocks (about 12 oz)
– 4 cups water
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Rinse the collard greens and remove any stems. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large pot, combine ham hocks, water, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Add the chopped collard greens to the pot and stir to combine.
5. Simmer an additional 20-25 minutes, or until greens are tender.
6. Remove ham hocks from pot and discard bones. Strain liquid and serve with greens.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour
Cornbread Dressing with Sage
This savory cornbread dressing is a staple of many holiday meals, and the addition of sage gives it a rich, herbaceous flavor. Perfect for serving alongside roasted meats or as a side dish on its own.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in melted butter until softened.
3. Add the crumbled cornbread, sage, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Toss until well combined.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and stir until the dressing is moist but not soggy.
5. Transfer the dressing to a 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Benne Seed Wafers with Honey Butter
Classic Lowcountry treats, benne seed wafers are a staple of Southern cuisine. These crispy, flavorful cookies pair perfectly with a sweet and tangy honey butter for a delightful snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup benne seeds (sesame seeds)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine benne seeds, sugar, and softened butter. Mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes or use a cookie cutter.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Allow wafers to cool completely before serving with honey butter (mix equal parts honey and softened butter). Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pecan-Crusted Fried Chicken
Elevate your fried chicken game with this crunchy and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of pecans with the comfort of crispy fried chicken.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup pecan halves
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, then coat in the pecan-flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Fry the coated chicken pieces for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Sweet Tea Brined Pork Chops
Sweet Tea Brined Pork Chops Recipe
Get ready to elevate your pork chops game with this sweet and tangy recipe that combines the flavors of Southern comfort with a hint of summertime sweetness. This brining process results in tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful pork chops.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 pork chops
– 1 cup sweet tea (brewed strong)
– 1/2 cup kosher salt
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 gallon water
– 2 tbsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp granulated garlic powder
Instructions:
1. In a large container, combine brewed sweet tea, kosher salt, brown sugar, and water. Stir until dissolved.
2. Add the pork chops to the brine mixture, making sure they’re fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
3. Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Remove the pork chops from the brine and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Season the pork chops with black pepper and garlic powder. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through to your desired level of doneness.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-30 minutes
Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
This classic Southern dessert combines juicy peaches with a crumbly biscuit topping, served chilled and topped with creamy vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the sweetness of summer.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups fresh or frozen peaches, sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 biscuit topping (see below)
– Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Biscuit Topping:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine peaches, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Pour melted butter over peach mixture and stir until coated.
4. Roll out biscuit topping dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Place dough on top of peach mixture, trimming edges to fit.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
7. Serve warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Peaches
Elevate your summer BBQ game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the flavors of bourbon, brown sugar, and grilled peaches. Perfect as a side dish or topping for ice cream or yogurt.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe peaches, sliced into wedges
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (or substitute with apple cider or maple syrup)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, bourbon, and honey until well combined.
3. Brush both sides of peach slices with the bourbon glaze.
4. Grill peaches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and tender.
5. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Low Country Shrimp and Corn Chowder
This hearty, creamy soup is a staple of Low Country cuisine, perfect for a chilly evening or a casual gathering with friends. With succulent shrimp, sweet corn, and aromatic spices, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add flour and whisk to combine; cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add shrimp and corn; cook until shrimp are pink and corn is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the rich flavors of Low Country cuisine with these 18 mouthwatering recipes. From classic dishes like Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage to Southern comfort food favorites like Charleston Red Rice with Smoked Sausage, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy hearty stews and chowders, crispy fried delights, and decadent desserts that showcase the best of Southern cooking. Treat your taste buds to a culinary journey through Low Country cuisine with these tried-and-true recipes.
Leave a Reply