Momma Cherri’s Soul Food Shack is a Southern inspired food trailer located at the intersection of MLK and Duval Street in downtown Montgomery, Alabama. It was founded by the wife of a well known singer and songwriter, Marsha Cherri. She decided to start a food trailer business after losing her job as a restaurant manager because of the economy. Her friend encouraged her to start a soul food recipe shop in an old, dilapidated house so she could make her own products using fresh ingredients and pay less for them.
What started out as a small business: became a popular trend in the South and a destination for foodies from all over the world. The original Soul Food Shack menu was mainly a pork and chicken breakfast and included corn bread, egg rolls, grits, fried chicken, collard greens, black Eyed Peas and rolls, candied yams, sweet potatoes and more. In the past couple of years, they have added a wide variety of southern recipes like shrimp gumbo, collard greens spinach sausage, and collard bean and leg of lamb. And they also started offering new non-traditional items like tofu, tuna salad, sweet and sour chicken, and peach cobbler. Now, they even have a brunch menu that includes pancakes, grits, sausage, and eggs.
Soul food is one of America’s favorite cuisines: Its rich flavor and many traditional recipes have made it a popular choice for people of all ages. However, because of changes in cooking practices over the years, the health benefits of soul food have also been reduced. A typical soul food recipe usually contains high amounts of unhealthy fat, salt and sugar. Today, you can find healthier ingredients and still taste good.
There have been many changes to momma cherri’s soul food recipes over the years: Back in the day, she would season her dishes with generous amounts of pepper, onions and garlic. Nowadays, you’ll mostly see them using ham hocks, smoked turkey necks and fatty cuts of pork. Instead of ham hocks and smoked turkey necks, you’ll find pecorino or goat cheese instead. Sweet potatoes are also used liberally.
Because of these changes – many of the old-time favorites that people loved so much are not as popular today. For example, while gumbo was a favorite way to add flavor to southern meals, it’s now usually found in New Orleans restaurants. Cajun food has also become somewhat of a rare breed, with people relying less on ingredients like okra and jambalaya. The changes are difficult for the individual soul food recipe lover, but they do make it easier for everyone to enjoy the delicious flavors that this southern cuisine has to offer.
If you’re willing to put in some time – there are plenty of wonderful soul food recipes that are still being created. Some of the newer ones include healthy ingredients like black-eyed peas and tomatoes that will still give you that full-bodied flavor. It’s important to not let these new versions affect the way that you eat as a family.
Make your own recipes, use your imagination, and continue to enjoy the delicious foods that have been passed down through the generations.
