Difficulty: Easy | Yields: 4 servings
Warm, grounding, and rich with history, this Cherokee Hominy & Wild Greens Soup is a traditional, plant-based dish that reflects the deep connection between land, culture, and nourishment. With golden hominy, seasonal greens, and a touch of smoky flavor, it’s a recipe passed down through generations that still satisfies today. This is more than soup—it’s a story in a bowl.
📜 Why Cherokee Hominy & Wild Greens Soup
“Ancestral wisdom in every simmer.”
Hominy—alkaline-treated corn—is a staple in Indigenous cuisine, offering flavor, texture, and nutrition. Paired with foraged or seasonal greens like pokeweed (or spinach substitutes), it creates a simple yet deeply flavorful dish grounded in sustainability and seasonality.
Ingredients for Cherokee Hominy & Wild Greens Soup
☑️ 1 tbsp vegetable oil or rendered fat
☑️ ½ onion, diced
☑️ 2 garlic cloves, minced
☑️ 1½ cups cooked hominy (or canned, drained)
☑️ 3 cups vegetable or light chicken broth
☑️ 2–3 cups wild greens or spinach/kale
☑️ 1 tsp smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke
☑️ Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
☑️ Chopped herbs (like ramps or parsley)
☑️ Cooked beans for extra protein
☑️ A squeeze of lemon for brightness
👩🍳 How to Make the Soup
🔥 Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
1️⃣ In a pot, heat oil over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft and translucent.
🍲 Step 2: Build the Soup
1️⃣ Stir in hominy and smoked paprika.
2️⃣ Add broth and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 10 minutes.
🌿 Step 3: Add Greens & Season
1️⃣ Stir in your greens and cook just until wilted.
2️⃣ Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Dish Cherokee Hominy & Wild Greens Soup
☑️ Rooted in Cherokee culinary tradition
☑️ Simple, plant-based, and nourishing
☑️ Naturally gluten-free and adaptable
☑️ Comforting, earthy, and rich in history
“A bowl that honors the land, the people, and the seasons.”
🌍 Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Truffle Honey Glazed Duck Breast You Need to Try! with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.
Discover rare culinary experiences at Good Food and More—where every recipe is a journey through heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors.
