On WBEZ Chicago Public
Radio this weekend, The Tavis Smiley Show hosted eco-chef and food justice activist Chef Bryant Terry to talk about his new recipe book, Vegan
Soul Kitchen: Fresh, Healthy, and Creative African-American Cuisine.
Growing up in Memphis, Terry grew up with “food that was as local as [his family’s] backyard garden,” and in wanting to celebrate that, he has created over 150 recipes presenting a more healthful, eco-friendly diet. Terry, who is not a vegan, hopes to inspire families to enjoy a meal together for both daily and festive occasions.
In the interview, Terry responds to how the concept of Slow Food has been considered a predominately upper white, middle-class movement. Terry, however, learned about Slow Food principles from his African-American heritage and wants to reclaim the traditions of eating local, seasonal, good food. Terry calls his recipes “Jazz cuisine,” an amalgamation of African, Caribbean, and Native American styles. African-American soul food is the most creative cuisine possible, he says, fusing a hybrid of cultures and traditions that he wants to celebrate in his food.
A Food and Society Fellow, Terry has numerous projects, including the Southern Organic Kitchen.
The interview can be heard here.
Photo credit to Earth First.
