Students Learn a Tasty History Lesson at Maverick Kitchen

Students attending the latest Maverick Kitchen got the chance to learn about the history connected with soul food as they created some tasty dishes to enjoy on Thursday, Feb. 23.  

Milaun Murry, Experiential Learning Librarian, shared with students some of the history and culture connected with soul food.  

“This month's Maverick Kitchen was a celebration and highlight of Soul Food with fried chicken/fish, baked mac n' cheese, and collard greens. Understanding the history behind the dish and the ingredients used is equally as important as the meal itself,” Milaun said. ” Being able to teach how to create a healthier version of a popular soul food dish and talk about where it came from was a gratifying experience.” 

Milaun stated that soul food was created by enslaved African Americans created soul food using items that were readily accessible to them. One example she gave was pigs' feet. 

Students could make fried chicken or fried Tilapia. They were then taken through the steps of how to prepare their meat with breading and the pan they would use to fry. She noted that Tilapia was being used over Catfish, which is traditionally used because it is a “healthier choice” with a “similar taste.” 

Amisha Islam, a Nursing major, stated that this event provides people with a great opportunity to learn something new.  

“I thought that it was very interactive. I love how she taught about the heritage of African American communities and how she incorporated it all into the class,” Amisha said. “It is not just cooking, but you’re learning as well.” 

To complement the chicken or fish, students were given two side dishes considered staples in soul food, collard greens and mac n’ cheese.  

Unlike regular collard greens that are cooked with meat like a ham hock or turkey neck to flavor the greens., the ones at Maverick Kitchen were made in a vegan style. With vegan collard greens, the meat was substituted with fresh garlic, herbs, and a longer cooking time to provide that additional flavor. 

Davin Knight, a Nursing major, stated that it is exciting to learn a new way to cook an existing dish. She noted that events like this help to encourage people to try new things.  

“Everyone should partake in this event,” Davin said. “I feel like it is a great experience for everyone, especially if you know how to cook or you don’t know how to cook. No matter your experience, you should still attempt it.”