The Forager
Fried chicken, pimento cheese, chow chow, lettuce, and tomato on a buttermilk biscuit.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
This dish is a modern take on classic Southern comfort food, blending traditional ingredients and techniques with a contemporary approach. Fried chicken, pimento cheese, and biscuits all have deep roots in Southern cuisine, reflecting a history of resourcefulness and adaptation of various culinary influences.
This dish embodies Southern hospitality and comfort food traditions, often associated with gatherings, celebrations, and a sense of community.
Southern Comfort Food
Fried chicken and biscuits are iconic Southern staples, often served at family meals and social events. This dish elevates these classics with gourmet touches.
Pimento Cheese as a Southern Staple
Pimento cheese is deeply engrained in Southern culinary culture, viewed as "Southern pâté" and loved for its versatility and comforting flavor.
Chow Chow as Preservation and Flavor
Chow chow represents a traditional method of preserving vegetables and adding a unique tangy and sometimes spicy flavor to dishes.
The dish offers a complex flavor profile that balances richness, tanginess, and spice, with contrasting textures.
The crispy fried chicken provides a savory and satisfying base, complemented by the creamy, slightly sharp pimento cheese. Chow chow, a pickled relish, adds a tangy, sweet, and sometimes spicy counterpoint. Lettuce and tomato offer freshness and a slight vegetal sweetness, while the buttermilk biscuit contributes a buttery, slightly tangy, and crumbly texture.
Chicken Prep
For the best fried chicken, brine the chicken before frying to ensure it stays moist and flavorful. Consider using a blend of spices in the breading for added complexity.
Homemade Pimento Cheese
Homemade pimento cheese is far superior to store-bought. Use high-quality cheddar cheese and roast your own pimentos for the best flavor.
Biscuit Perfection
Use cold ingredients when making buttermilk biscuits to ensure they are light and flaky. Handle the dough gently to avoid overworking it.
Chow Chow Selection
Chow chow recipes vary significantly. Choose one that balances sweetness, tanginess, and spice to your liking. Homemade is often preferred.
Explore additional Sandwich dishes and restaurants
Explore SandwichDiscover top dining spots and culinary experiences in Richmond.
Explore RichmondLearn more about the food culture, restaurant scene, and culinary heritage of United States.
Explore United States