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America's Melting Pot
Potlikker Soup hero image coming soon
1861-1900 - Southern home cooks, especially African-American communities.
Potlikker Soup is a traditional Southern U.S. dish made from the nutrient-rich broth left after cooking collard or other greens. Popular during Reconstruction and beyond, it emphasizes resourcefulness and Southern culinary traditions.
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Difficulty
Easy
Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
30 minutes
Total time
40 minutes
Servings
4
Region
South
Era introduced
1861-1900
Introduced by
Southern home cooks, especially African-American communities.
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Potlikker Soup derives from an important Southern tradition of cooking leafy greens such as collards, mustard, or turnip greens, and then using the flavorful, nutrient-rich broth-called potlikker- as a soup or broth base. Originating during the Reconstruction era and continuing through Southern resilience into the 20th century, potlikker represents thrift, health, and cultural identity. It was especially common in African-American households, utilizing every part of the greens and celebrating the resourcefulness of Southern cooking.
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