Harlem-Inspired Fish Cakes with Birmingham Greens Salad: A Taste of African American Tradition
The recipe features a green salad with turnip and mustard greens, which have been traditional ingredients in African American households for generations. Collard greens are also commonly used and each type of green has its own unique flavor profile. The dish was inspired by a salad made by Chef Mashama Bailey at Harlem EatUp! and is featured in the cookbook "The Rise."
To make the dish, start by preparing a tomato sauce by sautéing onions, garlic, and tomatoes until the sauce thickens. Then, make the fish cakes by cooking salt cod with onions, garlic, and spices, mixing it with mashed potatoes, and forming patties that are pan-fried until golden brown. Finally, prepare the Birmingham Greens Salad by tossing greens and pecans in a vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, shallot, sorghum, mustard, salt, and pepper.
To serve, spoon the tomato sauce over the fish cakes and serve them with a side of the greens salad. This recipe showcases the flavors of traditional African American cuisine and is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by all.
Marcus Samuelsson, a renowned chef with restaurants worldwide, is the creator of this recipe. He is also involved in initiatives that support underserved youth in the culinary arts and celebrates the food, art, and culture of Harlem through events like Harlem EatUp! The recipe is from his cookbook "The Rise," co-authored with Osayi Endolyn.