Classic Southern Dinner Recipe: Mac and Cheese, Roast Beef, Collard Greens with Turkey Legs, Candied Yams, and Cornbread

Introduction:

This soul food recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that brings together classic Southern flavors. From the creamy mac and cheese to the tender roast beef and savory collard greens with turkey legs, to the sweet and sticky candied yams, and the fluffy cornbread, each element of this meal is sure to please. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving some comfort food, this recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 3 pounds boneless beef roast
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 turkey legs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 bunches collard greens, washed and chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 medium yams, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. To make the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
3. Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the mac and cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
4. To make the roast beef, heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef with the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, then transfer to a plate. Whisk the flour into the beef broth, then pour into the Dutch oven and stir to combine. Add the beef back to the pot and cover with a lid. Roast in the oven for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.

5. To make the collard greens with turkey legs, heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the turkey legs and season with the salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the turkey is browned on all sides. Add the collard greens and chicken broth to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the collard greens are tender.
6. To make the candied yams, preheat the oven to 375°F. Combine the sliced yams, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and water in a large baking dish. Stir to coat the yams evenly. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the yams are tender. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the yams are caramelized and glazed.
7. To make the cornbread, preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cornbread comes out clean.
8. Serve the mac and cheese, roast beef, collard greens with turkey legs, candied yams, and cornbread together on a platter and enjoy!

Tips:

1. When making the roast beef, be sure to season it generously with salt and pepper before searing it in the pan.
2. For the collard greens, remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
3. Make sure to cover the yams with foil while baking to prevent them from drying out.
4. When making the cornbread batter, be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough and dense bread.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this soul food recipe is a perfect representation of the warm and comforting flavors of Southern cuisine. With its combination of creamy, savory, and sweet elements, it’s a meal that is sure to satisfy any appetite. So, gather your loved ones and enjoy this delicious and heartwarming dish together.