Appalachian Hillbilly Meal

You got it! Here’s a hearty, rustic, and down-home recipe for a classic Appalachian Hillbilly Meal — the kind of comforting, stick-to-your-ribs food you’d find on a family table in the hills of Appalachia. These meals were built on simplicity, resourcefulness, and flavor.

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🥘 Appalachian Hillbilly Meal

✨ A One-Plate Country Supper:

Fried Potatoes + Pinto Beans + Skillet Cornbread + Chow Chow or Onion Slices

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🥔 Cast Iron Fried Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 4–5 medium russet potatoes, sliced thin

• 1/2 onion, chopped

• 3–4 tbsp bacon grease or lard (or vegetable oil)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat bacon grease in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add potatoes and onions. Let them sizzle — don’t stir too much.

3. Cook until golden and crisp on the edges, about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Season with salt and pepper.

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🫘 Simmered Pinto Beans

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried pinto beans, soaked overnight

• 6–8 cups water

• 1 ham hock or bacon ends (optional but traditional)

• 1/2 tsp salt, more to taste

• Pinch of baking soda (optional, helps soften beans)

Instructions:

1. Drain soaked beans and place in a pot with water and ham hock.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer for 2–3 hours until tender.

3. Add salt in the last 30 minutes (don’t salt early or beans toughen).

4. Serve with a spoonful of pot liquor (bean broth) over cornbread.

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🌽 Skillet Cornbread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal (stone-ground if possible)

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 egg

• 2 tbsp bacon grease or butter (plus more for skillet)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Heat greased cast iron skillet in the oven.

2. Mix dry ingredients, then stir in buttermilk, egg, and melted fat.

3. Pour batter into hot skillet and bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

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🧅 Optional Sides & Additions:

• Chow chow (a pickled green tomato relish – a regional favorite)

• Raw onion slices or green onions

• Sliced fresh tomatoes

• Fried fatback or country ham

• A glass of sweet tea or buttermilk