When you hear the name Elvis Presley, you might think of his catchy tunes or flashy outfits. But did you know he also had a soft spot for food? One unusual favorite was deep-fried pickles. According to David Adler’s 1993 book, The Life and Cuisine of Elvis Presley, these crispy snacks were a real treat for the King. Elvis liked his fried pickles spicy, thanks to a generous dash of cayenne pepper.
Fried pickles are a classic Southern dish. While most people think of cucumbers, pickling extends to many vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, and even asparagus. The idea of deep-frying pickles might seem strange, but it all started in the 1960s. The first recorded recipe appeared in a California newspaper in 1962, calling for sweet pickles fried in pancake batter. The fried pickle we know and love gained popularity in 1963, when Bernell “Fatman” Austin at the Duchess Drive-In in Arkansas began serving dill pickle slices battered in cornmeal.
Elvis couldn’t have enjoyed fried pickles as a child, as they weren’t invented until decades after his birth in 1935. However, once they appeared, they quickly became a staple for fans of Southern cuisine.
Deep-fried pickles are perfect as appetizers or snacks, but they shine even brighter when paired with other Southern favorites. Think of a spread that includes deviled eggs, loaded with spices and maybe even some crispy fried capers. You could add a bowl of creamy Augusta National-style pimento cheese with crackers for dipping. Mini peanut butter, banana, and bacon sandwiches would fit right into this feast, rounding out a meal that Elvis himself would have adored.
These snacks are more than just nostalgia. A recent survey by the National Restaurant Association found that fried pickles are among the top trending appetizers in American eateries today. They’re not just a Southern thing anymore; every corner of the country is jumping on the fried pickle bandwagon.
So next time you hear Elvis crooning on the radio, why not indulge in a bit of his favorite food? It’s a delicious way to celebrate the King. For more on Southern recipes and snacks, you can check out The Takeout.
Source link
Elvis Presley, fried pickles, classic Southern, deviled eggs, dill pickles, David Adler, Southern
