South African Reacts: Southern Comfort Foods You Need To Try Before You Die

[@Cody38Super]

Chicken fried steak is BEEF, fried like chicken. It's easy to do, easy to do poorly, and f***ing awesome when done right!

[@SilkenShame]

But he's right comparing it to schnitzel. It originated in the German Hill Country, since beef was so common they used it instead of pork but prepared it in the same way.

[@amintiri2503]

And excellent with some gravy

[@anthonyrowland9072]

They have a "chicken fried chicken" too. It's a tenderized breast cooked the same way. They both slap.

[@newgrl]

Vetkoek, if the internet is to be believed looks to be a yeasted fried bread made with wheat flour and a bit of sugar, whereas Hush Puppies are not yeasted and do not include much wheat flour, instead using cornmeal and include minced onion (sometimes with jalapeno) and buttermilk. Cornmeal is similar to dry polenta, if you've had that. It's a little coarser in it's grind, but the idea is the same. The rising agent used is baking powder instead of yeast. So Vetkoek and hush puppies are probably not very alike.

[@lisab.9956]

"Homely" in U.S. means ugly or unattractive. We use word "homey" meaning pleasant, comfortable, & cozy. Chicken fried steak isn't chicken, it is made with tenderized beef cube steak dipped in egg & seasoned flour then fried. (It is called that because it is fried like fried chicken.) It is similar to schnitzel, but cube steak is twice dipped into breading mixture & has a thicker coating. (Schnitzel is only dipped once usually in flour.) Chicken pot pie is different in Northeastern states, especially when made by Pennsylvania Dutch (German) or Pennsylvania Amish. It isn't baked in a crust, but is more like a soup with large square homemade noodles.

[@Cody38Super]

There's SO MUCH amazing food in the US, people just think it's all McDonald's and Hot Dogs. We're a nation of immigrants, they bring their food with them and then it all gets mixed together to make some of the best cuisine on the planet, bar none!! All of it will kill you, but it's delicious!!!

[@matismf]

Best catfish is Ray's Millpond Cafe in Ray City, Georgia!

[@blacklinkfirelink2304]

Pecan Pie is amazing, and tastes nothing like what you imagine when you first hear the name. Very highly recommend

[@BTinSF]

Jambalaya is very similar to Spanish paella and the name comes from the French jambon for ham because pork--ham or andouille sausage--is an essential ingredient along with onion, green pepper, celery, rice and stock (usually seafood or chicken). To that you can add protein of your choice such as chicken or seafood.

[@greggwilliamson]

Peanuts: boiled, if it's the right time of year. If you get them before they ripen, there will be some you can eat whole. But mostly, you just open them like a roasted one and eat the nut. The Green Tomatoes: we culled the tomatoes and made sweet pickles with them. You cull when they are too small to fry.

[@gertexan]

I am from the East Texas Gulf Coast near the Louisiana border. Our cuisine is a wonderful historical mix of Cajun, Creole, Texan/Tejano (aka Tex-Mex), and a bit of German & Czech for good measure. Professionally I worked/lived for 20+ years across Europe and Asia. I have traveled to countries on every continent and have had the privilege of eating at both 5 star restaurants and roadside dives along the way. The experiences have been awesome as I am an adventurous eater. There are very few things that I will not try at least once. However, when I returned "home" I rediscovered the foods and tastes from my youth. They are my comfort foods. I think everyone is the same across the world.

[@Missilynn]

Im ur neighbor across the state line here in SW La & I agree with you 100%!!

[@valoriemurray2688]

The thing about southern cooking is it is mostly from scratch there are not a ton of special ingredients so as long as you can get the recipe you can make them anywhere

[@BTinSF]

Here's a Southern staple they never put in these videos but that you will be lucky if you find in family-run restaurants, usually in more rural areas (although it's very popular in New Orleans): "Meat and three". This is what the name implies, some type of cooked meat and 3 side dishes, often fresh vegetables picked just hours before being cooked and served. The meat could be almost anything and you might get a choice. Same with the sides. But you don't know how good beans or corn or other veggies can be until you've had them really fresh and prepared in the southern way.

[@gmunden1]

Beignets are typically served with a variety of dipping sauces.

[@laknad7750]

The readymade gravy and canned biscuits will definitely give you the WRONG impression of biscuits and gravy. It's the same as substituting canned meat for a ribeye steak and saying they are practically the same........no.......sorry. Also, have you seen Jolly's experience at Terry Black's Texas BBQ on KZbin?

[@newgrl]

I was going to suggest a few Jolly videos too. The Terry Black's video is awesome (if nothing else for Josh and Olly's reaction to the Beef Rib), but I also like their "Brits try Louisiana Soul food for the first time" video filmed at Lil' Dizzy's Cafe. That food looked amazing.

[@beckyrinaldi6622]

Thanks! You brought back a lot of great memories for me. You need a gofundme so we can get you to America. :)

[@ryan_lloyd]

Oh wow thanks Becky! I’m glad it brought back such good memories. I’m thinking of starting a Patreon account at some point where members will get access to all the videos that youtube blocks me from adding :)

[@beckyrinaldi6622]

@@ryan_lloyd That would be awesome!

[@hardtackbeans9790]

Any sort of fry bread is hard to explain. It is just simple bread dough but it is REALLY good. Native American fry bread, Mexican sopapillas, or New Orleans beignets. They are only served differently. New Orleans beignets have powdered sugar on top. Sopapillas you poke a hole in the top & put honey & butter. Navajo fry bread will have toppings on top like a taco or just eaten with butter on top Roasted peanuts for me. Chicken fried steak is steak just fried chicken style. Chitlins are what we all eat in sausage casing. These are just fried. I don't really care for chitlins.

[@greggwilliamson]

The different Countries I saw during my US Navy service are remembered by the food I ate and the recipes I got. Travel well my friend but always remember, knock on any door in the South. You'll never starve.

[@amyschultz8058]

We had chicken fried steak for supper tonight. We're in Virginia and we do claim Brunswick stew. The best time to find it in Virginia is about October and November, because we are harvesting the garden's and we use fresh food's and its generally cool by then. Jambalaya is real good. Chicken and dumplings and pot pie will have your taste buds thanking you. Biscuts and gravy , yeah do home-made. Alot of places used canned gravy and thats just so wrong lol. Some other favorite comfort foods is meatloaf thats made various ways and goulash is another. Lets not forget the chili on a cold winter's night. I recommend okra , fried green tomatoes and fried squash too. When you come to visit , alot of people hit tge big cities but hit the small towns too. You'll experience so much more . Also, remember places like Virginia and many other states , we offer the coastal beach area which has incredible seafood, but if you head west in a few hours you'll hit the foothills and mountains which is our area and our food and scenery is amazing so try to experience the entire state to get the real feel.

[@jimgreen5788]

Ryan, several years ago, when I drove down to LA, I stopped at New Orleans' Cafe du Monde, and tried beignets, which are sort of a French doughnut, and they are superb, along with just about everything in the Cajun and Creole categories down there in the state. Although my mom made what looked a lot like ambrosia salad when I was growing up, and it was sooo good. Surprisingly, CHIT-lins is spelled chitterlings--I think. I know that many people love chicken and waffles, but I as a northerner, can't imagine a more ridiculous combination, though I love them independently. I tried fried okra when I was on a vacation several years ago in Florida--very good! I don't know if the grocery stores in S. Africa carry Zatarain's box mixes, but they're much better than going without because of not living in Louisiana. I eat them rather often, even though I've tried the real thing. It's much better than going without. Also, there's a European couple with a channel who've tried the box mixes, and they've raved about every last one. I have to say that the temper tantrum disguised as situation comedy at 17:24 is an embarrassment to many to most Americans, since it makes the US look like a nation of "screwballs"; 99% of us are NOT like that. Have you ever investigated Jolly (Josh and Olly), who are 2 Brits who travel over here to gorge themselves on specific cuisines, and they always "melt" with satisfaction and love for the food.

[@rosesilveira344]

Cafe du Monde has great coffee to go with the beignets.

[@jimgreen5788]

@@rosesilveira344, you're right! The problem is that I forgot to mention it, even though I had a cup. Thanks.

[@waltermaples3998]

Ryan when you come to the USA 🇺🇸 you definitely need to visit the South the food is amazing you can get Southern, Soul and Creole here. I hope to see you soon. 😉👍

[@chaunapierce8678]

The 2 things that I usually love to order at a diner is biscuits and gravy and chicken fried steak. Chicken fried steak has to be my favorite but you have to use mashed potatoes and cream gravy. Yum

[@manxkin]

No, there is no filling in the beignets but they are great. Especially at Cafe du Monde in New Orleans. New Orleans really has some of the best cuisine on the planet. Chicken fried steak is a steak fried like chicken, basically a schnitzel. Southern food is awesome. No to chitlins! There are some things I just won’t eat. Chitlins and brains being two of those things. Collards are good. I’m from the north but love southern food. By the way, I prefer roasted peanuts.

[@melvisroberts3715]

When you come, whatever state you go, just ask around about the best food we are always happy to recommend local fare as opposed to chain restaurants

[@honeyboy1]

Boiled peanuts are really similar in taste and texture to edamame. So, if you like edamame, you'll like boiled peanuts.

[@Darth_Lunas]

1/2 of my family is from Pennsylvania. The other 1/2 is from North Carolina. Best of both worlds!! Love from the States my man!

[@rosesilveira344]

But not the South

[@pamforrester844]

I must admit i love chicken pot pie, my guilty pleasure for sure. Thank you as always for the video and commentary

[@barbaraeverly1922]

If cooked right, chitlens are awesome! I prefer them boiled with loads of hot sauce! Not crazy about em fried. We'd cook them in the basement to keep the cooking smells out of the house. I'm from Chicago btw, but my dad's parents were Southerners

[@Ira88881]

Boiled peanuts are amazing. And they’re not what you think: You only make boiled peanuts from totally RAW peanuts, also called green peanuts. They’re not available in the U.S. for much of the year, and not easily available in many parts of the country. You find them in the refrigerated produce/vegetable section of the supermarket, bagged. Their availability depends on the growing season. You can just plain boil them with salt, but I make them with hot cajun spices. I also make a garlic only variety. I use the slow cooker, and takes about 10 hours. If you can find raw green peanuts where you live, you have to give it a try.

[@hybridz31]

I live in Louisiana, about an hour outside of New Orleans. I personally prefer boiled peanuts over roasted and do tend to stop everytime I see a roadside stand selling them. They are not hard to make at home though if you have a crockpot. Just put them in a crockpot with water and sea salt then cook on high for 10-12 hours. It may take a few tries to get the amount of salt right for your tastes but that is just more peanuts you get to eat!

[@sock2828]

Chicken fried steak is very similar to schnitzel. But made with a pounded and tenderized steak instead of chicken, veal or pork. It likely orginates from German and Austrian immigrants in Texas

[@beckyrinaldi6622]

Was raised in the south. I grew up on all these foods. My mom was a master at fried okra and pecan pie.

[@ScapeGoat77]

Dude, the difference between homemade biscuits and canned biscuits is like night and day. The frozen ones are somewhat better…but, If you want the real deal, you need to have them at someone’s grandmother’s house.

[@rosesilveira344]

The secret to a great biscuit is enough kneading the dough to create a fluffy ones.

[@JustMe-dc6ks]

As little kneading as possible too much makes them tough. Mix, roll it out, maybe fold a few times.

[@BTinSF]

When you go to the South and want good food, just avoid chain places in favor of independent restaurants recommended by locals. Chitlings are one of those things America owes to African slaves who were given animal parts the masters didn't want and created some pretty tasty foods with them. Fried chicken and waffles is typically (though not always) a breakfast food and it's a lot of work for someone to do when they first get up so I would guess most people eat them at a good restaurant.. You should be familiar with okra. I believe it's native to Africa and was one of those things brought to America along with black slaves.

[@OldMovies2000]

Chicken Fried steak is a flattened (cube steak maybe) steak that is breaded and fried like chicken. It's pretty good, and if you visit any diner in the US you'll probably find it. It's good, but tooooo filling for me, and im American. Its served for breakfast and dinner.

[@beckyrinaldi6622]

Chicken fried steak is so good!!!

[@brianlewis5692]

It is basically a schnitzel, except instead of veal, steak or chicken is used.

[@Abigailsoftball23]

I'd take the boiled peanuts over roasted any day.

[@ryan_lloyd]

Interesting! I need to try boiled peanuts some time!

[@Abigailsoftball23]

@@ryan_lloyd You can get them in most of the Southeastern US particularly during September or October when they are in season. Go to a roadside stand or a farm. DO NOT buy the canned stuff from the stores.

[@brianhums5056]

Chicken Fried Steak is NOT chicken....it is a tenderized beef steak pounded semi-thin and battered and fried LIKE chicken. Hence (Chicken Fried STEAK).

[@JustMe-dc6ks]

And country fried if you do the same to something other than steak.

[@countrykitty733]

Sopapilla's is like benai it's fried bread we eat with honey no powder sugar.

[@GentleRain21]

I give you a thumbs up, but this woman narrating has wormed her way into a lot of videos and her voice is as appealing to me as fingernails on a blackboard. I just couldn't hang in long because of that.

[@ryan_lloyd]

Haha no problem! I hope you enjoy future videos :)

[@GentleRain21]

@@ryan_lloyd I will. ☺

[@SGlitz]

Lo Lo's Chicken & Waffles! :)

[@Counterpoint1951]

I've had chitlins before. Personally, I find them gross (to me, they taste like they smell), but to each their own. The husband of one of my aunts *loves* them; I once saw him eat an entire pot of them when I visited one weekend.

[@vahi37]

Country Fried Steak!!

[@trevwalk]

Chitlins are one of my favorites but it smells awful when cooking. I could eat them everyday.

[@gertexan]

Yep, and they need to be cooked by someone who knows what they´re doing and they need to be cooked outside.......downwind. lol

[@christonfloberg9460]

Chicken fried steak will be better than you imagine. Good times.

[@scottywright8146]

If you come to Louisiana, I'd love give you a tour

[@connieburns4837]

A neighbor of mine was cooking chitlins one time, said she wanted me to try them because I’d never had them before. Well, I smelled them cooking and the smell just about made me 🤮! There was NO WAY I could have made myself eat that!

[@LoulsLevy]

consider, the U.S. Air Force is looking to recruit legal immigrants to the U.S.A. and Once in, pay is not bad, You may be able to save for after your service. You could be trained in something which can be a future profession in the U.S.A., and there is a fast track to U.S. Citizenship after service. Just a thought.

[@pushpak]

Chitterlings pronounced Chitlins', either way, I hate them but my fam loves them.

[@bernicearthur8655]

Chicken and waffles is to die for. Go to a restaurant like they said unless you can find a southern grandmother to cook the dish for you. Otherwise don't try to cook it yourself. You will be disappointed.

[@beckyrinaldi6622]

Just me but I'm not a fan of boiled peanuts. I like them roasted!

[@ryan_lloyd]

I’ve never had boiled peanuts. But I love roasted!!

[@amintiri2503]

Just be ready man, i know this food looks great, just be ready for some nasty visits to the commode 😂

[@joanyow7952]

really:

[@John-fn2ln]

Alot of those foods we eat all over the country just not the south

[@terrycarter1137]

They left out fried country ham for breakfast.

[@joanyow7952]

if you can find salt cured ham

[@johnfincher8561]

I bet that vaaaast majority of us Southerners have never eaten gizzards or chitlins. My mother is they only person I know who likes gizzards. Ain't gonna ever eat one. Chitlins either.

[@joanyow7952]

what is it with the square biscuits? you could have gotten s southerner to do the commentary

[@Torwyn11]

Too bad the AI narrator can't pronounce the names of the dishes. Right out of the gate, she said "ben-YAY", putting the emPHASis on the wrong syLLABle. It's "BEN-yay".

[@catloverirb]

I'll stick with roasted peanuts.

[@billk9139]

I'm sorry but sweet potatoes are sweet enough by them selves. Just add butter, salt and pepper.

[@Missilynn]

Theyre cooked by lots of folks but never tried them. I think they are disgusting. But family members like them. Im a southerner & cook lots these dishes

[@judybartels4339]

Never had chitlins and don’t want to try them!

[@SondraMays]

NO FILLING!

[@usmc24thmeu36]

Okra is a vegetable from africa .

[@anthonysalomone3698]

With your willingness to try new foods, you will enjoy American food. Chitlins is a pass for me.

[@dgray2228]

Skip the chittlins, they are a VERY acquired taste.

[@gmunden1]

Chick-fried steak is beef, not chicken. It is steak fried like chicken.

[@chaunapierce8678]

I have never had chipmunks. I'm not a real fan of eating the organs or the insides of animals. When I was in Scotland they served haggis for almost every meal not a favorite

[@jeffreyseitz9900]

II don't know why they keep saying chicken and waffles is southern. The were started by Germans in Pennsylvania hundreds of years ago not the Southern USA. Fried green tomatoes are the best. They were always served after the tomato plants were gleaned in the Fall before frost. I never liked white gravy. We always made brown gravy after frying chicken. White gravy is tasteless to me.

[@miminewell334]

NO CHITLINS!!!🤮🤮

[@rosesilveira344]

If you visit the South, a favorite restaurant is the Waffle House.

[@SarahMD63]

I hate ALL peanuts and peanut butter!

[@PatSenoga]

Chitlins 🤢

[@cp368productions2]

Pecan pie is disgusting.