An iconic staple food of South Carolina, boiled peanuts are a simple snack consisting of raw, semi-mature peanuts in their shells that get boiled in salty water for a long time, with the optional addition of a piquant spice mixture. Peanuts arrived in the South in the 18th century on slave ships, when they were known as ground-nuts, ground peas or goobers.
Numerous theories claim that the practice of boiling peanuts began with Confederate soldiers in the time of the Civil War, when they were hungry because the food was scarce, so they dug up raw peanuts and boiled them. The first recipe was published in 1899 by Almeda Lambert.
MOST ICONIC South Carolina Boiled Peanuts
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MAIN INGREDIENTS
Belonging to the Brassica oleracea family, collard greens are a type of green leafy vegetable that is characterized by thick leaves with tough stems and a slightly bitter flavor that is eliminated through cooking. This vegetable has long been appreciated in the traditional cuisine of the American South, and it has been recognized as the official state vegetable of South Carolina on June 2, 2011.
Even though collard greens are commonly eaten raw and can easily lend themselves to various cooking methods - steaming, frying, or sautéing - the most traditional way to enjoy them in the South is slow-cooked in water or broth along with smoky cured meats such as ham hock, bacon, ham, pork jowl, or smoked turkey wings or legs.
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MOST ICONIC Collard Greens
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Although the name suggests otherwise, Frogmore stew does not contain any frogs nor is it a stew. It is a classic low country South Carolina dish where the main ingredients are fresh shrimp and freshly shucked yellow corn which are simply boiled, while additional ingredients like potatoes, crabs, or even sausages can all be added to suit one’s preferences.
This is a messy meal to eat, so it often comes served on paper plates, accompanied by ice-cold beer or similar beverages. It is believed that the first iteration of the dish was made by a National Guardsman called Richard Gay who used it as a way to feed a hundred hungry soldiers.
MOST ICONIC Frogmore Stew
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Pimento cheeseburger is a traditional version of a cheesburger originating from the South, and it's especially popular in South Carolina. It consists of soft burger buns, grilled burger patties, and pimento cheese spread. The pimento spread is made with a base of grated cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimento peppers.
Once assembled, the pimento cheeseburger can be eaten as it is, although some people prefer additional toppings such as lettuce, fried onions, or tomatoes, but those are completely optional.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Burger
MOST ICONIC Pimento Cheeseburger
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