5 Meals to Celebrate Diversity at the Table

Dive into the diverse flavors of how America eats with Salmorejo, Chana Masala, Miso Soup, Spicy Fried Chicken, and Jamaican Beef Stew!

By
Rachel Knecht
Rachel Knecht
Rachel Knecht
Rachel began testing recipes for Simply Recipes in 2018. She started her food blog in 2017 and taught children's baking classes around Seattle.
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Published December 20, 2021
Rachel Knecht
Meal Plan Week 3

On Monday we take a day off to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. He inspired millions to stand up against racial injustice and though we have a long way to go, the dinner table is a good place to start.

The U.S. is a country of diverse people and cuisines. On our weeknight dinner table this week, I have five meals that celebrate the cuisines of some our recipe writing team. We are eating foods from Puerto Rico, India, Japan, Jamaica, and the American South. 

Oh, and check the pantry to make sure you have plenty of rice on hand. You’ll want basmati to serve with the Chana Masala, long grain rice for Puerto Rican Salmorejo and Jamaican Beef Stew and medium grain rice for Miso Soup. Are you having a carb-free January? Here is a recipe for cauliflower rice. 

  • Puerto Rican Salmorejo (Stewed Crab and Tomatoes With Rice)

    Puerto Rican Stewed Crab
    Marta Rivera

    Puerto Rican Salmorejo turns to lump crabmeat for an easy weeknight dinner that is ready in under 30 minutes. Serve it over rice and with crispy Air Fryer Tostones.

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  • Chana Masala

    Best Chana Masala bowl of chana masala with rice, and lemon wedge
    Prerna Singh

    Chana Masala is Indian comfort food and perfect for cold weather. This recipe uses a mixture of whole and ground spices and can be made with dried or canned chickpeas. Add coconut milk for a creamy variation. If you want to learn more about a key spice blend in this recipe, read up in our guide to garam masala. 

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  • Miso Soup

    Overhead view of a bowl of quick and easy miso soup.
    Simply Recipes / Vivian Jao

    This simple and nourishing Japanese soup has a base of dashi, a broth made with seaweed, kelp, and bonito flakes. I prefer white miso, but any type you have on hand would work. Serve it with a bowl of warm rice for a light yet filling weeknight dinner.

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  • Spicy Fried Chicken

    How to Make Spicy Fried Chicken
    Aaron Hutcherson

    Fried chicken is a Southern classic and this pan-fried version has a kick (hot sauce and cayenne pepper). For the crispiest chicken, let it rest for 20 minutes after dredging it in the flour mixture. This will help the breading stay put as it fries. Serve it with Southern Style Collard Greens.

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    Continue to 5 of 6 below.

  • Jamaican Beef Stew with Scotch Bonnets, Ginger and Allspice

    Two bowls of Jamaican Beef Stew served with rice.
    Kalisa Marie Martin

    Jamaican Beef Stew is spicy and deeply flavorful—with ginger, scotch bonnet peppers, hot sauce, and allspice. Adjust the spice level to your liking or serve it with a generous side of rice to mellow it.

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  • Weekend Baking: Roti (Whole Wheat Indian Flat Bread)

    Overhead view of a stack of Indian flatbread roti on a plate with a striped linen underneath.

    Simply Recipes / Prerna Singh

    Instead of making sweets this weekend, let’s learn to make Roti, a beloved Indian flatbread. Use atta flour for the most authentic flavor and texture. Make a double or triple batch and freeze them (while they are still warm) for dipping into future Indian curries.

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