Soul Food

2014 James Beard Foundation Book Award, Reference and Scholarship

“An engaging, tradition-rich look at an often overlooked American cuisine— certainly to be of interest to foodies from all walks of life.”—Kirkus, starred review

“[A] fascinating look at the cuisine known as soul food and its close cousin, southern cuisine. . . . Photographs and recipes add to the allure of this well-researched look at the past and future of soul food.”—Booklist, starred review

“[A] comprehensive and entertaining history of soul food. . . . A lively and thorough account for fans of food literature and of African American history. Recipes included. Highly recommended.”—Library Journal

“Focusing each chapter on the culinary and social history of one dish — such as fried chicken, chitlins, yams, greens and 'red drinks'— Miller uncovers how it got on the soul food plate and what it means for African-American culture and identity.”—The Philadelphia Tribune

“A wonderful combination of sociological examination of African-American culture and identity, travelogue and cookbook. . . . It’s exactly this combination of earnest curiosity and an unwillingness to take his topic too seriously that makes Soul Food such a great read. . . . I highly recommend this book!”—Nashville Scene

“Miller moves way past common notions about soul food to offer a fascinating look at the cuisine and its close cousin, southern cooking.”—Booklist Top 10 Food Books of 2013

“Just the book to move readers from one end of the line to the other without getting bogged down. . . . Soul Food is ingenious . . . [and] speaks to the enduring mythological power of its staple dishes.”—Michael Twitty, American Prospect

“Most people don’t know soul food the way Miller does. . . . Miller’s book studies soul food mainly in terms of its quintessential ingredients or dishes. . . [and] along the way, he dishes up a few surprises.”—Winston-Salem Journal

“Miller’s book is a mouth-watering tome that not only titillates the palate, but feeds the brain with science, geography and history.”—Denver Westword