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Southern Comforts: 9 Healthy Soul Food Recipes

Long considered the anti-diet cuisine, soul food is back on the menu for the health-conscious!
citrus collards with raisins redux
Long considered the anti-diet cuisine, soul food is back on the menu for the health-conscious! With this menu of lower-fat and -calorie Southern recipes, you can enjoy the savory comforts of crispy crab cakes, creamy grits, and tangy collard greens without blasting past your recommended daily-calorie goal.For more of our favorite recipes and how-to cooking videos, visit our Southern recipe headquarters.
1

Citrus Collards with Raisins Redux

citrus collards with raisins redux

Sweet, earthy, and citrusy, this vegetarian side dish proves that not all greens have to taste like they're good for you (even if they are).


Recipe: Citrus Collards with Raisins Redux

2

Gullah Seasoning

<p><i>Gullah</i> is the name for the African-American cuisine and culture of the Carolina Low Country — the region in and around Charleston and the coastal islands. Traditional Gullah cooking uses a special spice blend, similar to Cajun seasoning. It can also be used to season meat, fish, or omelets.</p><br /><p><b>Recipes:</b></p><p><a href="/recipefinder/gullah-seasoning-recipe-opr0910" target="_blank"><b>Gullah Seasoning</b></a></p><p><a href="/recipefinder/gullah-seasoning-for-fried-foods-opr0910" target="_blank"><b>Gullah Seasoning for Fried Foods</b></a></p>

Gullah is the name for the African-American cuisine and culture of the Carolina Low Country — the region in and around Charleston and the coastal islands. Traditional Gullah cooking uses a special spice blend, similar to Cajun seasoning. It can also be used to season meat, fish, or omelets.


Recipes:

Gullah Seasoning

Gullah Seasoning for Fried Foods

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3

Barbecued Shrimp

<p>Experience the rich culinary tradition of the Carolina Low Country with this easy and flavorful shrimp dish made with a quick-simmered homemade barbecue sauce.</p><br /><p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="/recipefinder/barbecued-shrimp-recipe-opr0910" target="_blank"><b>Barbecued Shrimp</b></a></p>

Experience the rich culinary tradition of the Carolina Low Country with this easy and flavorful shrimp dish made with a quick-simmered homemade barbecue sauce.


Recipe: Barbecued Shrimp

4

Fried Okra

<p>For a taste of the Carolina Low Country, try this savory side of fried okra.</p><br /><p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="/recipefinder/fried-okra-recipe-opr0910" target="_blank"><b>Fried Okra</b></a></p>

For a taste of the Carolina Low Country, try this savory side of fried okra.


Recipe: Fried Okra

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5

Geechigirl Crab Cakes

<p>Paired with some local greens, these lightly seared crab cakes make a healthy and soulful meal.</p><br /><p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="/recipefinder/geechigirl-crab-cakes-recipe-opr0910" target="_blank"><b>Geechigirl Crab Cakes</b></a></p>

Paired with some local greens, these lightly seared crab cakes make a healthy and soulful meal.


Recipe: Geechigirl Crab Cakes

6

Gullah Rice

<p>One-pot rice dishes with sausage and seafood like the recipe shown here are among Gullah culinary traditions.</p><p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="/recipefinder/gullah-rice-recipe-opr0910" target="_blank"><b>Gullah Rice</b></a></p>
Courtesy of O, The Oprah Magazine

One-pot rice dishes with sausage and seafood like the recipe shown here are among Gullah culinary traditions.

Recipe: Gullah Rice

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7

Savory Triple-Corn Grits

<p>Delicious <i>and</i> healthy, this vegan side dish, topped with sautéed fresh corn and onions, is perfect for your next Southern-style brunch or barbecue.</p><br /><p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="/recipefinder/savory-triple-corn-grits-recipe-opr0910" target="_blank"><b>Savory Triple-Corn Grits</b></a></p>

Delicious and healthy, this vegan side dish, topped with sautéed fresh corn and onions, is perfect for your next Southern-style brunch or barbecue.


Recipe: Savory Triple-Corn Grits

8

Cucumber-Watermelon Soup

<p>If you're nuts about summer time (read: watermelon), this is the soup for you. Chilled, refreshing, and spicy, it's the perfect soup with which to enjoy the last days of summer.</p><br /><p><b>Recipe: </b><a href="/recipefinder/cucumber-watermelon-soup-recipe-opr0910" target="_blank"><b>Cucumber-Watermelon Soup</b></a></p>
Antonis Achilleos

If you're nuts about summer time (read: watermelon), this is the soup for you. Chilled, refreshing, and spicy, it's the perfect soup with which to enjoy the last days of summer.


Recipe: Cucumber-Watermelon Soup

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9

Classic Cherry Pie

cherry pie
Courtesy of O, The Oprah Magazine

This take on a tried-and-true favorite calls for the sweet cherry filling to be thickened with tapioca and then topped with a picture-perfect lattice crust.


Recipe: Classic Cherry Pie

10

More from Oprah.com

<p>Find great recipes and lifestyle hints at <a href="http://www.oprah.com/index.html" target="_blank">Oprah.com</a>, including:</p><br /><br />
<p><a href="http://www.oprah.com/food/Healthy-Recipes-Low-Fat-Meals" target="_blank">29 Healthy, Eat-Right Recipes</a></p>
<br />
<p><a href="http://www.oprah.com/food/Quick-and-Healthy-Breakfast-Recipes-for-Eggs-Waffles-and-Smoothies" target="_blank">9 Quick and Healthy Breakfasts</a></p>
<br />
<p><a href="http://www.oprah.com/food/Feeding-Picky-Eaters" target="_blank">Simple Secrets to Feeding Picky Eaters</a></p>
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