Cookin' Crunk: Eatin' Vegan in the Dirty South

passion and having pride in where you come from. For vegan blogger

Bianca Phillips, it's also about creating no-frills, no-nonsense dishes that warm the soul and keep rich Southern traditions alive. As she explains,

the Dirty South isn't about cleanliness; it's about ties to the land and the hominess of passing on a rich culture

of good food and good times.

Plant-based staples (beans, corn, and fresh produce) that have been the basis of Southern cooking for centuries, give simple soul food dishes a wholesome twist. These family classics, minus the meat, eggs, and dairy products, help keep traditional Southern foodways alive while allowing vegans, vegetarians, and anyone who cares about healthful eating to enjoy this satisfying down-home fare.

Cheese-free Ro*Tel dip, country-fried tempeh steak, eggplant

jambalaya and smoky stewed okra and tomatoes are a sample of the classic Southern comfort food that awaits.