February in the U.S. has always been a time to honour Black History, but for black food bloggers, this is also a time to specifically observe our rich black culinary antiquity. This year almost 40 black creatives did so by contributing recipes to a celebratory roster of entrees, appetizers, and desserts that reflect the diversity and range of cuisine that make up the African diaspora.
This annual initiative is called the Black History Month Virtual Potluck. Since 2017, participating black food bloggers have been using their collective platforms to highlight the ingredients, people, and stories that make up the tapestry of black cuisine.
Since co-founding this event, I’ve learned that no matter what continent you are on, black people are there, shaping society, culture, and food. Inversely, the environment, resources, and experiences surrounding us help shape our unique perspectives, especially as it relates to our food heritage. See for yourself, the potluck’s menu of recipes share a common thread of ingredients, cooking methods, and shared experiences that connect us no matter where we are. From foods indigenous to Africa like black-eyed peas, okra, and rice to adopted American southern classic ingredients like cornmeal, sweet potato, and collard greens, this group of bloggers shared their new and old food traditions served up on a plate.
“Participating in the Black History Month Virtual Potluck has become a welcomed self-care ritual that feeds my soul and allows me to reacquaint myself with recipes passed down to me from my ancestors. It is also an opportunity to dive into my collection of Black cookbooks, and learn more about the rich history of Black American cuisine, which is heavily rooted in the African diaspora, says Geo Banks-Weston, founder of the blog Geo’s Table. “
Join us in celebrating this Black History Month with this compilation of reimagined diasporic recipes from the American South, Africa, and the Caribbean. You can check out the full roster of soul-warming recipes below, and be sure to show each of these fantastic black food bloggers some love! You can also check out all the participating bloggers on Instagram using the hashtag #BHMVP2021.
Black History Month Virtual Potluck List
Passionfruit Coconut Layer Cake | A Classic Twist
Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits | A Girl Called Adri
Malawah (Somali Sweet Pancake) | A Sweet Point Of View
Spicy Okra & Corn Salsa | Beautiful Eats & Things
Peanut Curry Braised Ribs | Britney Breaks Bread
Buttermilk Fried Chicken | Butter Be Ready
Sweet Potato Pop-Tarts with Brown Butter Icing | Chenée Today
Homemade Cajun Andouille Sausage with Shrimp and Grits | Cooks with Soul
Suya-Spiced Brussels Sprouts | Dash of Jazz
Stewed Okra & Tomatoes with Chicken Sausage | Dude That Cookz
Buttermilk Cornbread With Southern “Sprinkles” | Erique Berry Co.
Yam and Plantain Curry | Ethically Living
Sourdough Discard Honey Rosemary Cornbread | Feed The Malik
Smoked Jamaica Jerk Chicken | Food Fidelity
Sweet & Tangy Collards | FoodLoveTog
Jerk Shrimp Cakes and Grits | Geo’s Table
Gluten-Free Chicken and Waffles with Maple Bourbon Glaze | Good Food Baddie
Tropical Candied Yams | Handy Chef
Trinidadian Beef Stew | Heal Me Delicious
Cornmeal Coo Coo Recipe | HomeMadeZagat
Caribbean Oxtail | Just Add Hot Sauce
Creole Oxtails Stew | Kenneth Temple
Sweet Potato Bundt Cake | Lenox Bakery
Brown Sugar Cornmeal Waffles w/ Sweet Tea Maple Syrup | Margaritas On The Rocks
Southern Potato Salad | Meiko And The Dish
Sugar Coated Vanilla Peanuts | Murielle Banackissa
Hoppin’ John Fritters | Nik Snacks
Blackened Catfish and Smoked Gouda Grits | Pink Owl Kitchen
Lemon Pepper Honey Chicken Wings | Razzle Dazzle Life
BBQ Lentils over Grits | Rosalynn Daniels
Shito Pepper | Savory Thoughts
Cast Iron Buttermilk Biscuits | Seasoned To Taste
Black Eyed Peas: A Savory Southern Favorite | Sense & Edibility
Smoky Sweet Potato and Tahini Stew | Supper With Michelle
Authentic Misir Wot | Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew | That Green Lyfe
The Lamin Rice (Afro-Fusion Jollof Rice) | The Food Disciple