Meet Meiko Temple: the brilliant writer, photographer, chef, and recipe developer behind Meiko and the Dish. Meiko’s site is full of inspiring dishes, that are unique twists on classic comfort foods. From mac and cheese, to fried chicken, to mouthwatering soups and desserts, there are so many recipes to explore.
For six years now, Meiko has collaborated with other Black recipe developers to create a Black History Month Virtual Potluck. You should definitely take some time to search through her site for some of the recipes and collaborations from past years because they are ah-mazing.
To celebrate Black History Month 2022, she collaborated with over 30 Black recipe developers and as she describes it: “this Virtual Potluck explores Black food through the lens of Afrofuturism. Our collaboration of recipes explores the intersection of the Black diaspora via culture, future, geopolitics, imagination, liberation, culture, and technology.” Be sure to check out the list of recipes from all of the collaborators this year, follow each participant and check out the discussion on social media by using the hashtag #BHMVP2022.
Top: Brown Butter Sombi – Coconut Rice Pudding and Chinese Chicken Salad
Meiko’s own recipe contribution to #BHMVP2022 is this ridiculously delicious-looking Brown Butter Sombi – Coconut Rice Pudding. Sombi is a traditional Sengalize rice pudding, but this recipe is more than just rice pudding. As Meiko describes: “The recipe structure mirrors the concept of gentrification, the process whereby the character of a poor urban area is changed by wealthier people moving in and typically displacing current inhabitants in the process. The hard brûléed upper shell represents the covering of cultural roots to create space and opportunity for the more affluent.” Not only is this a delicious treat, I think it’s a great conversation starter for those who gather around your table this month.
Related: 11 excellent new children’s books for Black History Month
I personally have been following Meiko and the Dish for a couple of years now after I discovered this recipe for Elote Corn Chowder through an online search for elote. I have a not so low-key addiction to this delicious Mexican Street Corn, and this chowder recipe allows me to enjoy my favorite flavors in the middle of winter thanks to the magic of frozen corn cobs. Just be sure to thaw them out completely and pat dry before charring.
Related: Easy 5 ingredient soups to keep you warm on the inside
If you love tacos (I mean who doesn’t love tacos?), Meiko has some of the best taco recipes on the internet. This recipe for Spicy Citrus Fish Tacos is perfection. If your kids are spice-adverse, just limit the jalapeno in the recipe. I love that you can make these bright tacos during the cold months by using frozen mango and frozen fish if you can’t find fresh options.
Related: All of the taco recipes from years of Weekly meal Plans
Chinese Chicken Salad is the one salad my entire crew gets very excited about. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for a busy weeknight meal, and also is fantastic for company. Citrus is in season right now, so rather than use canned oranges, grab a bag of fresh clementines.
Related: It’s citrus season!
I am absolutely making this recipe for Grandma’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup this weekend. Meiko offers a ton of variations to personalize this soup, and there are directions for the slow cooker, Instant Pot, and the Dutch oven. I’m going to pull out that bread maker I purchased at the height of the pandemic, because warm bread and comforting soup are just what we need around here.
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I love to discover new food bloggers and influencers! If you have suggestions, tips, or recommendations for recipes, cookbooks, or other food bloggers I should check out please comment here, or shoot me a message in our Recipe Rescue group on Facebook!
