Gullah Geechee cuisine is a fusion of West African, Caribbean, and Southern American flavors, and during the holidays, this culinary heritage shines brightly. Staples like rice, seafood, okra, and greens take center stage, reflecting the region’s agricultural and maritime influences. Here are some Geechee style holiday dishes to include in your celebrations this year!
Main Dishes for Your Holiday Table
If you’re looking for a delicious side to your Fried Turkey at the holiday table this year, look no further than perloo. However you serve it, rice is, of course, a staple of the Lowcountry and essentially what the region was built on, and during the holiday season, there are numerous ways to serve it.
One option is this Limpin’ Susan; a version of perloo from Kardea Brown that has been made popular by her Food Network audience. If you do try this version, be aware that some of the reviews state that it needs a bit more seasoning, so… you know what to do, there! Okra, catfish, shrimp, and crab are all perfect perloo ingredients that would make for a signature Geechee style holiday dish.
As we move closer to New Year’s Eve, you can’t go wrong with Hoppin’ John. (Limpin’ Susan makes a bit more sense now, doesn’t it?) Collard greens alongside black-eyed peas and rice bring prosperity and luck into the new year. This tradition has been handed down in the Geechee culture for generations. It’s a delicious start to the new year. Chef BJ Dennis has a version of Hoppin’ John that you need to try ASAP!
Desserts: Geechee Style Holiday Dishes
For many families, pumpkin pie is the star of the show, but Geechee style holiday dishes will have a sweet potato pie at the table. It’s just not Christmas until that Sweet Potato Pie comes out, and of course, you could buy one, but they’re pretty simple to make and the results are phenomenal.
A Geechee staple, chewies, or pecan chewies will likely remind you of brownies or more accurately, blondies but often made with pecans. The result is a chewy, delicious bar to share during the holidays or any time throughout the year. Of course, you can always make your own, like these Brown Sugar Pecan Chewies from Delicious Miss Brown, or simply order some from one of the many local Charleston-area bakeries. Daddy’s Girls Bakery offers Charleston Chewies, Chewie Cheesecake, and even a Sweet Potato Pie Cheesecake!
If you’re more of a hands-off holiday host, Geechee Bakes is your one-stop shop for all things dessert. The prices are on point and the company offers reasonable dessert packages that allow you to purchase three desserts to feed a crowd.
Gullah Geechee Cookbooks For Your Gift-Giving Needs
Now if you’re looking for more ideas, there are so many amazing Gullah Geechee cooks to support. A quick flip-through will provide you with countless recipe ideas. Better yet, consider purchasing a few of the following cookbooks for yourself or to give as gifts.
Gullah Geechee Home Cooking: Recipes from the Matriarch of Edisto Island by Emily Megget
From crab cakes to benne cookies and chicken perloo, this book offers the quintessential tastes of the Lowcountry.
The Way Home: A Celebration of Sea Islands Food and Family by Kardea Brown
Explore Geechee traditions with this collection of Sea Islands cuisine. This book includes over 120 recipes, including some Geechee style holiday dishes.
The Ultimate Gullah Cookbook by Veronica Gerald
Over 100 recipes, history, culture, and language prevail in this all-encompassing cookbook highlighting the Gullah Geechee lifestyle.
Gullah Geechee holiday feasts go beyond the food; they are a testament to the community’s resilience and dedication to preserving their cultural heritage. The recipes passed down through generations serve as a connection to the past. This is a timeless way to ensure that the Gullah Geechee identity remains vibrant and alive.
