What Accompaniments to Serve with a Low Country Boil
A Low Country Boil is a popular dish in the Southeastern part of the United States, particularly in South Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana. This one-pot meal features a delicious combination of seafood, sausage, potatoes, corn on the cob, and various spices. The dish is traditionally cooked outdoors in a large pot over an open flame and served family-style. Though this hearty meal can be satisfying on its own, it is essential to pair it with complementary side dishes to enhance your culinary experience.
The Main Dish: A Low Country Boil
The low country boil is also known as Frogmore Stew or Beaufort Stew. This dish has a long history that dates back to the 17th century when Spanish explorers brought rice to South Carolina, which later grew to become one of the state’s most important crops. The recipe for low country boil originated from Gullah cuisine, which was created by African slaves who worked in rice plantations. The dish is typically made with shrimp, lobster, crab legs, sausage or kielbasa, potatoes, onion, corn on the cob, and Old Bay seasoning.
To prepare a low country boil:
- Fill a large pot with water and add Old Bay seasoning followed by chopped onions and potatoes.
- After boiling for 15 minutes, add sausage or kielbasa relishing for another 15 minutes before adding ears of corn for about five minutes.
- Add shrimp or other desired seafood at the end of cooking time – turn heat off and allow seafood to sit in remaining heat for three minutes before serving.
Complimentary Dishes to Serve with a Low Country Boil
Beyond the main dish, there are several complementary side dishes that can add flavor and dimension to a low country boil. These dishes not only provide a variety of textures and tastes but also provide some balance to the heaviness of the main dish.
1. Cornbread
Cornbread is an excellent accompaniment to low country boils for its unmatched texture, flavor, and versatility. This southern staple can be served with butter or other toppings. A great cornbread to pair with a low country boil is a skillet version made with a combination of cornmeal, flour, sugar, buttermilk, eggs, and butter.
To make skillet cornbread:
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Mix together cornmeal, flour baking soda, sugar and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl whisk together egg yolks and buttermilk.
- Melt butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
- Whisk together egg whites until stiff peaks form and set aside.
- Combine wet ingredients to dry mixture and fold in egg whites.
- Pour batter into skillet and bake for about thirty minutes until golden brown.
2. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are delicious boiled eggs with their yolks separated from the whites then filled with deviled mixtures like mayonnaise, Dijon mustard or relish to create savory flavors perfect as a side dish for your low country boil. They can be spiced up differently through the addition of Cajun spices or other condiments like bacon bits or green onion.
Here’s how to make deviled eggs:
- Boil eggs until cooked through.
- Slice the boiled eggs in half and remove the yolks.
- In a bowl, add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper to the yolks and mix well
- Evenly distribute the prepared mixture into each egg white half.
3. Coleslaw
Cole slaw is another staple dish in the southern United States that can be a great separate dish or side dish. It is typically made up of a cabbage base that has been thinly sliced and mixed with a variety of grated vegetables such as carrots and cucumbers, along with mayonnaise or vinegar-based dressing to give it a tangy taste. The refreshing crisp of coleslaw is a perfect counterpart for the spices that go into your low country boil.
Here’s how to prepare wood-fired coleslaw:
- Mix shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, onion, and raisins in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Make the slaw dressing by whisking together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Add the dressing to the vegetable bowl and stir well until evenly coated.
4. Grilled Vegetables
If you have ever experienced a grill out scenario or barbeque in the summer months their thin grilling time frame means that they are an excellent side dish for us grill time afternoons. Grilled vegetables are mainly eggplant slices which are widespread accompaniments to low country boil giving them extra flavor with an addition of crispy crusts due to grilling. Marinated grilled eggplant recipe could be added asides combinations of your own choice.
To make marinated grilled eggplants:
- Begin by slicing eggplants into 1/2 inch pieces then place in a colander, salt and leave for about 30 minutes.
- Mix together vegetable oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt and oregano in a bowl.
- Pat dry the eggplant and brush with the oil mixture on both sides
- Grill on medium heat for around twelve minutes or until lightly charred.
5. Seafood Gumbo
Another superb dish to serve as an accompaniment with your low country boil is seafood gumbo. Seafood gumbo originated in Louisiana cuisine and contains sautéed bell peppers, onions, celery, okra, and mixed seafood such as shrimp, crab meat, fish fillets or crawfish tails. The addition of rice or hot sauce puts a new spin on accompanying dishes to the low country boil. The dish can be served as a complete meal on its own or with your low country boil side by side complementing each other.
To make Seafood Gumbo:
- In a large pot heat some oil on medium heat before adding onions, peppers, and celery; saute until soft.
- Mix in garlic followed by tomato paste and cook for two minutes.
- Fold in roux then gradually add seafood stock while stirring frequently
- Simmer until thick then fold in okra
- Add seafood mix cook on low for ten minutes
6. Hush Puppies
Hush puppies are deep-fried Southern classic cornmeal-based fritters. They originated from South Carolina, and the simplicity of the recipe made it a favorable dish during fishing trips among fishermen. The added texture of hush puppies makes them an excellent addition to your low country boil. Prepare with hot sauce since it adds a slightly spicy flavor that works perfectly when eaten alongside seafood like low country boil
To make hush puppies:
- In a mixing bowl whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, and salt.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Mix in some buttermilk and an egg into the dry mixture and combine through well.
- Fold in diced onions or chopped green onion into the mix
- Drop spoon-sized batter into the hot oil and fry until golden browned in color.
7. Sweet Tea
Sweet tea is a perfect refreshment to serve with any Southern dish. It’s typically served ice-cold and has the right amount of sweetness combined with strong tea undertones. Sweet tea will be an excellent accompaniment to your low country boil as it balances the spiciness of the seasoning used in preparing your main course.
To prepare sweet tea:
- Add water to a pot for boiling Let teabags sit for about five minutes then remove themMix sugar into the tea stirring until fully dissolved then let cool completelyPour tea mix into a pitcher add ice cubes for serving cold
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8. Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are delectable fried cakes made from crabmeat seasoned with various condiments like mustard, lemon juice, and mayonnaise making this dish perfect for accompanying seafood meals like low country boil. With a crispy exterior and tender texture, crab cakes are best served alongside low country boil and other southern dishes.
Recipe for crab cakes:
- Mix together grated onion, crab meat, breadcrumbs in a bowl
- In another bowl whisk eggs along with mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper
- Combine the egg mix with the crabmeat mixture and fold evenly
- Create crab cakes by scooping mixture using a cookie scoop.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat once hot add crab cakes to fry until golden browned within
Conclusion
Serving complementary dishes with a Low Country Boil brings out the flavors that make this Southern classic unique. Introducing a variety of side dishes allows you to focus on the tastes and textures of each dish individually while enjoying all of them together as well. With these complementary dishes – cornbread, deviled eggs, coleslaw, grilled vegetables, seafood gumbo, hushpuppies, sweet tea, and crab cakes – your guests will surely enjoy an unforgettable meal.
What are some classic sides to serve with a Low Country Boil?
Some classic sides to serve alongside your Low Country Boil include corn on the cob, potato salad, coleslaw, and hush puppies. These dishes complement the spiciness of the boil and provide a variety of textures to your meal.
Are there any vegetarian options for sides when serving a Low Country Boil?
Absolutely! If you’re catering to vegetarians, try adding sides like grilled vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions), vegetarian baked beans, or Southern-style green beans. These add a delicious healthy spin on this Southern classic dish.
What beverages should I pair with my Low Country Boil?
When it comes to pairing drinks with a spicy boil, go for refreshing options like cold beer, sweet tea, or lemonade. For those who prefer something stronger, consider serving bourbon or moonshine cocktails that can stand up to the bold flavors of the boil.
What dessert options would work as a perfect finish for my Low Country Boil?
Why not end your meal with something sweet and Southern-style to give your guests that authentic experience? Try desserts such as banana pudding, peach cobbler, or pecan pie. These dishes embody the soulful cuisine of Low Country food and will be an unforgettable endnote to your meal.
