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Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Along the coast of South Carolina and Georgia lies a stretch of coastal plains, marshlands, swamps, and Sea Islands known as the Lowcountry. Here, French and West African culinary traditions came together to build a cuisine based on rice and the area’s abundant seafood. Frogmore stew, for example, is a culinary creation credited to African Americans of West African heritage known as the Gullah. If you use words like “goober” (for peanut) and “gumbo,” you’re speaking a bit of Gullah. Let’s look at the best of Lowcountry cooking.
01
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Dave's Low Country Boil
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
With sausage, shrimp, crab, potatoes and corn, it's an all-in-one pot all-you-can-eat buffet. "Low country boil is famous in Georgia and South Carolina," says Allrecipes member Lisa. "Grab a paper plate and a beer and enjoy!"
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11 Seafood Boils for Easy Summer Dinners
02
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Aunt Margie's Sweet Potato Pone
Christina Kennedy
This Southern stand-out recipe features shredded sweet potatoes baked in a buttery orange sauce. "This is what our Southern family has had on the Thanksgiving table for at least three generations," says reviewer Christina Kennedy. "Great Aunt Margie (pronounced MAH-gee) was born in 1902."
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03
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Okra Rice
Dee
This fried rice with okra, bacon, and onion is a terrific Lowcountry-inspired side, but it's filling enough to be a satisfying main dish. Reviewer CharlieSandra rates it 5 stars: "Went right by the recipe and it turned out great. Being from the Low Country of SC, I think I will add some fresh shrimp next time. With or without shrimp, it's a meal all by itself. Ya'll enjoy."
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04
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Charleston Shrimp 'n' Gravy
"This shrimp 'n' gravy, an original Charleston favorite, is usually served as 'shrimp n grits,'" says Allrecipes member ALRAYNA. "Serve over fresh hot grits, rice, or biscuits."
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15 Top Seafood Recipes from the American Southeast
05
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Okra and Tomatoes
happytocook
Here's a simple, comforting side with a Lowcountry sensibility. The okra is sautéed in bacon grease with onion, green pepper, celery, and stewed tomatoes. "This is one of my favorite recipes," says reviewer nammacooks. "I make this dish often in the summer when we have okra from the garden and I use frozen okra in the winter."
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06
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Lowcountry Shrimp and Cheese Grits
Lowcountry Shrimp and Cheese Grits.
Shelled shrimp are sautéed with diced tomato in olive oil and butter before serving over garlic cheese grits. "This is the best and easiest shrimp and grits recipe!" says reviewer Carol. "I have also added andouille sausage sometimes for a different flavor excellent."
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10 Of Our Creamiest Cheese Grits Recipes
07
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Southern Tomato Pie
dotdash meredith food studios
"Absolutely delicious using home grown summer 'maters! I made only one teeny tiny change," says reviewer Nonna T. "Instead of plain cream cheese, I used half plain and half chive and onion. It was a perfect addition."
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My Southern Grandma’s 2-Step Tomato Pie Is Always on My Summer Table
08
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Husband's Grandmother's Shrimp Gumbo
Allrecipes Magazine
"My husband's grandmother taught me this recipe," says Allrecipes member ranch_maven. "She actually cooked for Cajun festivals. She used 40-gallon trash cans for her stock pots. People would line up for this authentic Cajun specialty. This recipe serves eight but multiplies well. Serve gumbo over cooked white rice."
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23 Favorite Regional Recipes from Every Corner of the USA
09
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Red Rice and Sausage
Kim Hyndman
This savory dish goes from stovetop to oven. "Red rice and sausage is a Charleston favorite," says Allrecipes member AUTUMNJON. "I like to use turkey sausage, another good alternative is Italian sausage."
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7 Crowd-Pleasing Lowcountry Rice Recipes
10
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Boiled Peanuts
Allrecipes Video
Tender, salty boiled peanuts are a Southern treasure. And all you need to make them at home are raw peanuts in their shells, salt, and water. Claudette raves about them! "If you have never tried boiled peanuts, stop whatever you're doing right this minute, go out buy peanuts and get started (smile)," she says. "You will not be let down. To Die For!"
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11
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Hearty Hoppin' John Stew
Hoppin' John, it's not just for New Year's Day! This simple skillet meal features pork sausage, rice, and Cajun-seasoned black-eyed peas. "I've made Hoppin John for years with many recipes and different ways (crock pot etc.) and this is my favourite," says reviewer Michelle Renee. "It was so easy (no soaking the peas overnight) and fast and just delicious."
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8 Soups and Stews That Are Full of Lowcountry Flavor
12
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Old Charleston Style Shrimp and Grits
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
This traditional Lowcountry dish features tender shrimp simmered with flavorful andouille sausage, bacon, and colorful bell peppers. Enjoy your saucy shrimp served over creamy, cheesy grits.
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Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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