Welcome to a journey through the diverse and delectable culinary traditions of the American South. In this exploration, we delve into the heart of North Carolina, a region renowned for its rich and flavorful dishes that have stood the test of time.
Join us as we uncover the ingredients, techniques, and cultural significance of these culinary treasures, offering you a tantalizing glimpse into the diverse flavors you can taste in various North Carolina locations. Prepare to embark on a culinary voyage that celebrates the art of Southern cooking and the ingredients that make it truly exceptional.
CHEESE Chocolate Lab
Chocolate Lab, an American cheese crafted by Looking Glass Creamery in Fairview, is an exquisite creation borne of pasteurized cow’s milk. The crimson rind undergoes periodic bathing in a brine solution, resulting in a cheese with an unyielding texture and opulent aromas. Its flavors, while distinctly sharp, possess a delightful interplay of pungency and sweetness.
These cheese wheels receive a special treatment, being gently anointed with a blend of crushed cocoa and sea salt. This careful ritual imparts a rugged and resplendent exterior. For a harmonious culinary experience, it is highly recommended to savor Chocolate Lab alongside a glass of Malbec wine or a robust chocolate stout beer.
Ingredients
- Pasteurized cow’s milk;
- Brine solution for periodic washing;
- Crushed cocoa;
- Sea salt;
- Glass of Malbec wine or a robust chocolate stout beer (for pairing).
CHEESE Providence
Providence, a taleggio-style cheese of American origin, emerges from the heart of North Carolina. This semi-soft cheese is a result of the laborious craftsmanship involving pasteurized goat’s milk and a three-month aging process. Throughout its maturation, Providence is diligently brushed and turned by hand, its rind gradually solidifying into a formidable shield.
Its texture boasts crumbliness and compactness, while the aromas are reminiscent of yeast, and the flavor profile exudes creamy richness. Providence finds its calling as a centerpiece on the dining table, best enjoyed with accompaniments such as cured meats and olives. A glass of dark Syrah makes for an ideal partner to this gastronomic delight.
Ingredients
- Pasteurized goat’s milk;
- Time and patience for a three-month aging process;
- Diligent hand-turning and brushing during maturation;
- Glass of dark Syrah (for pairing);
- Cured meats and olives (for serving).
SEAFOOD Calabash-Style Seafood
Calabash-style seafood, a time-honored American culinary tradition hailing from the coastal town of Calabash, North Carolina, graces the tables of Calabash seafood establishments. This sumptuous feast features an array of oceanic treasures, including fish, crab, shrimp, oysters, mussels, and clams, each lightly encased in a delicate cornmeal crust before being masterfully fried to a glistening golden hue. The customary accompaniments of hushpuppies and honey butter add to the indulgence of this buffet-style offering.
In contrast to conventional flour, the discerning cooks of Calabash often opt for cornmeal, imparting a distinct texture to the seafood’s delicate coating.
Ingredients
- Assorted seafood (fish, crab, shrimp, oysters, mussels, and clams);
- Cornmeal for the delicate crust;
- Hushpuppies;
- Honey butter.
SALAD Red Slaw
Red slaw, a regional variant of coleslaw originating from North Carolina, is also affectionately referred to as barbecue slaw. This delectable concoction is traditionally composed of finely shredded green cabbage, intermingled with a symphony of water, vinegar, sugar, and ketchup, resulting in its striking reddish appearance.
Lexington, in particular, has embraced red slaw, where it enjoys a revered status as an accompaniment to Lexington-style barbecue. This vibrant salad also finds a home in hot dogs and sandwiches featuring barbecued meats. Depending on the locale, red slaw may incorporate additional elements such as mustard seeds, black pepper, onions, carrots, or fiery peppers. Regardless of its variations, red slaw unfailingly graces the table in a state of refreshing chill.
Ingredients
- Finely shredded green cabbage;
- Water;
- Vinegar;
- Sugar;
- Ketchup;
- Optional ingredients may include mustard seeds, black pepper, onions, carrots, or hot peppers.
OFFAL DISH Livermush
Livermush, an indigenous American dish believed to have its roots in North Carolina, presents itself as a tantalizing fusion of pig liver, head, and cornmeal, meticulously seasoned with sage and pepper. These amalgamations are transformed into golden-brown slices through the art of frying, creating a dish that knows no bounds in terms of mealtime versatility.
While livermush often accompanies breakfast alongside eggs and grits, its appeal extends to lunch and dinner as well. It is essential to note that livermush stands apart from scrapple; the former tends to possess a higher cornmeal content and may or may not include liver. Presently, livermush is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, gracing omelets and even finding its place as a unique pizza topping.
Ingredients
- Pig liver;
- Pig head;
- Cornmeal;
- Sage;
- Pepper;
- Eggs and grits (for breakfast serving).
Conclusion
Venturing into North Carolina’s culinary landscape offers an assortment of flavors – from the salty-sweet combination of Calabash-style seafood and the tang of Red Slaw to the earthiness of Livermush. Not to mention the state’s beloved Cherry-red Cheerwine and the sinfully sweet Moravian Sugar Cake. Indeed, the state’s cuisine is a testament to its rich cultural history and love for gastronomic innovation. Whether you’re a food connoisseur or just love to eat, dining in North Carolina will be an unforgettable culinary adventure.