Food Mashups: 5 Ways Soul Food is Similar to Latin Food

We’re often told that we are all connected in one way or another, regardless of cultural differences – in the way that we talk, in the way that we laugh, and most apparent, in the way that we eat. That’s why we’ve found similarities between African food and Latin food and have explored the comparisons between Italian cuisine and popular Mexican dishes. 

Now, in honor of National Soul Food Month, read about the overlaps between Latin food and soul food – from the big historical connections, right down to comparable flavor profiles.

Native American-influenced:

Both soul food and Latin American cuisine have roots from Native American cuisine – most notably, in their use of corn and corn products. Native American peoples from the Cherokee, Creek, and other tribes used corn to make cornbread, grits, whiskey, and other popular ingredients in the south, whereas similar groups used corn to make tamales, tortillas, and papusas in Latin American countries. [pagebreak]

Based in tradition and define the culture:

Just as Latin food is deeply grounded in culture, tradition, and history, so too is soul food based on the same morals. Soul food is generally found around the country in places where slave plantations existed for centuries, just as Latin food is most popular in cities where immigrants first settled from Latin American countries. Thus, each cuisine has been able to preserve, to some extent, the qualities that make them unique – the cooking techniques, the passed-down recipes, and the importance on family gathered around a table to enjoy a big meal.

Clear distinctions:

Soul food is not simply a one-layered cuisine. It has distinctions – or rather, sub-categories – that help define it. For instance, southern food is often grouped together with soul food, though both have many differences. The former specifically points to region, and focuses on traditional cooking that happens in the south, whereas the latter is an amplified version of that, which allows it to exist well beyond the southern part of our country. 

Latin food, too, has distinctions. Consider the breakdown of Mexican food versus Tex-Mex food. Mexican food originally refers to the authentic dishes and cooking from Mexico, whereas Tex-Mex is an adaptation from Mexican-Americans here in the U.S., which uses similar techniques and styles, but with a different spin. [pagebreak]

Similar flavor profiles:

Both soul and Latin food are home to some of the most flavorful dishes – some of which have overlap in ingredients. Soul food uses deep, rich ingredients such as cornmeal, and spices such as cajun seasoning. Latin food follows closely behind with corn-based dishes and cumin, paprika, or sofrito as spice options.

Refined in modern times:

Though both cuisines are strongly-rooted in their traditions, each has evolved in recent years. Soul food, for instance, is typically known as an “unhealthy” comfort food option, for its high fat content and heavy meats. Since first starting out, however, chefs have put their own spin on soul food by creating vegetarian, vegan, and healthier options on classic dishes. Each branch of Latin American cuisine has also been refined to include farm-to-table methods and a focus on organic or locally-sourced ingredients.