Definition & Meaning of "soul food"

What is "soul food"?

Soul food refers to a type of cuisine that originated in African American communities in the Southern United States. It is characterized by hearty, flavorful dishes that often have roots in African and Native American culinary traditions. Soul food dishes typically include ingredients such as fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, black-eyed peas, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potato pie, among others. These dishes are often prepared with love and care, using traditional cooking methods and seasonings to create comforting and satisfying meals.