While my husband was out hunting, I finally had the chance to make a meal I love but he won’t touch good old Appalachian comfort food. I whipped up a hearty plate of soup beans, crispy fried cornbread, and golden fried potatoes smothered in creamy gravy, topped off with a side of fresh onion slices. Simple, satisfying, and just like my grandma used to make.
Recipes:
1. Soup Beans
• 2 cups dried pinto beans
• 6 cups water
• 1 ham hock or 4 slices of bacon
• 1 small onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
Intructions:
1. Rinse beans and soak overnight or use a quick soak method.
2. In a pot, combine beans, water, ham hock/bacon, and onion.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours until beans are tender.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.
2. Fried Cornbread
• 1 cup cornmeal
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp baking powder
• Oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl to form a thick batter.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil, flatten slightly, and fry until golden brown on both sides.
3. Fried Potatoes & Gravy
• 3 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 tbsp bacon grease or butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Fry potatoes and onions in bacon grease or butter until crispy and tender.
2. In a separate pan, whisk flour into a bit of bacon grease/butter to form a roux.
3. Slowly add milk, stirring constantly, until thickened.
4. Pour gravy over the fried potatoes and enjoy!
A humble yet heartwarming meal perfect for a cozy night at home!