After my trip to Nashville I am obsessed with southern cooking. I could not get enough of the shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, biscuits and hot fried chicken that we enjoyed. If there’s one thing you’ll find an abundance of in the South, it’s delicious food. From hearty mains to tasty sides, there is a lot to choose from. Here are a few staples that you will find when dining out in the Music City.
Meat and Three: You haven’t eaten like a true Southerner until you’ve enjoyed a meat and three, which, in simple terms, is when you order one meat and three side dishes from a list of daily specials. Many times this type of meal comes with cornbread and sweet tea, which are also southern food staples.
Fried Pickles: In the South just about everything is fried, and pickles are no exception. You’ll find fried dill pickles, fried hamburger pickles and fried pickles with a hint of garlic.
Catfish: With all the fishing that people do in Tennessee, it’s no wonder that catfish is such a popular food, and like many southern recipes, it’s best served fried. Of course you’ll find catfish in many different forms; sometimes it comes with hushpuppies and fries, shrimp or other types of fish. Find catfish served quickly and at a reasonable price.
Barbecue: From pulled pork to sweetly slathered ribs, Tennessee is known for its mouthwatering barbecue. In addition to sandwiches you’ll find spicy beans, mac ‘n cheese, and coleslaw on most barbecue restaurant menus. Some places even pile coleslaw on top of the meat for an extra tasty option.
Biscuits and Gravy: There’s nothing more satisfying than biting into a warm, moist biscuit, but when you top those biscuits with gravy, the flavor becomes even more intense. You can enjoy biscuits and gravy for breakfast or with your supper; as long as biscuits are part of your meal, you know you’re eating in true southern style.
Here are a few tasty Nashville recipes with an added Bellisari's touch.Shrimp and Grits with Blue Cheese
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
4 cups water
Salt and pepper
1 cup stone-ground grits
3 Tbsp. butter
1 jar Bellisari’s Blue Cheese Honey and Shallot Spread
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
6 slices bacon, chopped
4 tsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. chopped parsley
1 cup thinly sliced scallions
1 large clove garlic, minced
*You can add one egg over light for a garnish if interested
Directions:
Bring water to a boil. Add salt and pepper. Add grits and cook until water is absorbed, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter and Bellisari’s Blue Cheese, Honey and Shallot Spread.
Rinse shrimp and pat dry. Fry the bacon in a large skillet until browned; drain well. In grease add the shrimp. Cook until the shrimp turn pink. Add lemon juice, chopped bacon, parsley, scallions and garlic. Saute for 3 minutes. Spoon grits into a serving bowl. Add shrimp mixture. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Saigon Deviled Eggs
Serves 6
Ingredients:
6 eggs
1/2 tsp. of paprika
3 Tbsp. of Bellisari's Saigon Street Sauce
Directions:
Place eggs in a pot of salted water. Bring the water to a boil, and let the eggs cook in boiling water until they are hard boiled (about 10-15 minutes). Drain eggs.
Cut eggs in half, lengthwise. Remove the egg yolks and mash them together in a small mixing bowl. Mix in the Bellisari's Saigon Street Sauce. Spoon mixture into the egg whites; cool and sprinkle with paprika. Serve and enjoy!
