Recipes from Savannah: Savor the Flavors of the Hostess City

Savannah’s cuisine is a rich tapestry woven from Southern traditions, coastal influences, and the unique flavors of the Lowcountry. Rooted in history and cultural exchanges, the city’s iconic dishes tell stories as rich as their flavors. If you’re longing to bring a piece of Savannah into your home, these recipes are the perfect place to start. Let’s dive deeper into their history and learn why they’re so cherished in the Hostess City.

1. Shrimp and Grits: Savannah’s Coastal Classic

The Story:
Shrimp and grits originated as a humble breakfast dish for fishermen along the South Carolina and Georgia coasts. Over the years, this dish transitioned from a hearty meal of sustenance to a celebrated Southern delicacy, appearing on fine dining menus and at family tables alike. Savannah’s coastal proximity ensures fresh, local shrimp, making this dish a true expression of the region’s bounty.

Why It’s Iconic:
Savannah’s take on shrimp and grits combines creamy, buttery grits with shrimp infused with a smoky, spicy flavor, often enhanced with bacon or andouille sausage.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: Chopped bacon or andouille sausage

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits, reduce heat, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add cheese and 2 tbsp butter, and stir until smooth.
2. Heat olive oil and remaining butter in a skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Optional: Stir in bacon or sausage for extra flavor.
5. Serve shrimp over the grits, garnished with parsley or green onions.

2. Savannah Pecan Pralines: A Sweet Treat

The Story:
Pralines trace their origins back to France, but they were transformed in the American South by the addition of pecans, a native nut of the region. Savannah’s pecan pralines are a signature confection, offering a rich, buttery sweetness that has become a staple in local candy shops like River Street Sweets.

Why It’s Iconic:
Walking along River Street, you’ll often catch the aroma of freshly made pralines wafting through the air. These sugary, melt-in-your-mouth treats encapsulate Savannah’s hospitality in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cups pecan halves
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugars, salt, and evaporated milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage).
2. Remove from heat and stir in butter, pecans, and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously until the mixture thickens slightly.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper. Let cool until firm.

Fun Fact:
In Savannah, pralines are often given as gifts, a sweet way to say “thank you” or share Southern charm with friends and family.

3. Savannah Red Rice: A Lowcountry Tradition

The Story:
Red rice, a dish deeply tied to West African Gullah culture, was brought to the Lowcountry by enslaved Africans. It reflects a culinary heritage that combines rice, tomatoes, and spices to create a deeply flavorful and aromatic dish. Savannah’s red rice is a testament to the enduring influence of Gullah culture on the region’s cuisine.

Why It’s Iconic:
This hearty dish is a staple at family gatherings and holiday feasts, offering a taste of tradition and history in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 oz smoked sausage or bacon, diced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook sausage or bacon until browned. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
3. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic in the drippings until soft.
4. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Mix in rice and sausage/bacon, then transfer to a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Did You Know?
Red rice is often served alongside fried chicken or seafood, making it a versatile accompaniment in Savannah kitchens.

4. Savannah Sweet Tea: The Perfect Refreshment

The Story:
Sweet tea is more than a drink in the South—it’s a cultural institution. Savannah’s version of this classic beverage is sweet, refreshing, and always served ice-cold, often garnished with lemon or mint.

Why It’s Iconic:
A glass of sweet tea is the perfect companion to Savannah’s warm climate, offering visitors a chance to relax and recharge during a day of exploration.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups water
• 3 family-size black tea bags
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• Optional: Lemon slices and fresh mint

Instructions:

1. Boil 4 cups of water in a saucepan. Add tea bags and steep for 5-7 minutes.
2. Remove tea bags and stir in sugar until dissolved.
3. Add remaining 4 cups of cold water. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
4. Serve over ice, garnished with lemon slices and mint.

Fun Fact:
Sweet tea originated in the South in the late 19th century and has since become a symbol of Southern hospitality.

Share Your Savannah Creations!

These recipes capture the essence of Savannah’s culinary heritage, from the hearty comfort of shrimp and grits to the sweet indulgence of pralines. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet evening, these dishes will transport you to the cobblestone streets and oak-shaded squares of the Hostess City.

Explore More:
Looking for more Savannah-inspired recipes? Visit TheSavannahGuide.com for additional recipes, dining recommendations, and tips for experiencing Savannah’s iconic flavors.