METRO — Country cuisine can be enjoyed anywhere but is perhaps most synonymous with the southeastern region of the United States.

Rich flavors, familiar foods and large portions are hallmarks of country cooking. However, ingredients may vary by region, and the backgrounds of the people living in these parts of the country also may contribute to some unique recipes on traditional favorites. The following are five types of country cuisine and the foods associated with each tradition.

Creole/Cajun

Creole and Cajun cooking have similar influences but are not entirely the same. Creole originated in Louisiana and uses cooking techniques from Spain and France, but spices and ingredient combinations passed down from African cultures and Native Americans. Gumbos and bread puddings are popular Creole dishes. Cajun cooking originated when French Canadians migrated to Southern Louisiana in the mid-1700s. Popular Cajun dishes incorporate crawfish, alligator and frog.

Low country

The low country is the South Carolina coast. Low country cuisine utilizes seafood taken fresh from the coastal waters to make savory dishes that are similar to Creole and Cajun dishes. Rice, shrimp, grits, and okra are popular ingredients in low country cooking.

Appalachia

Those in the central Appalachian mountains have a cuisine all their own that spans several different states. As farms are prevalent in these areas, farm-fresh foods that are homegrown are quite common. Chicken and dumplings, chili beans, cobblers, biscuits and gravy, and wild game all are part of Appalachian cooking.

Soul food

Soul food gained steam during the 1960s when Black Americans aspired to honor their ties to country cooking as well as their heritage. Comforting and familiar dishes include collard greens, candied yams, fried chicken, sweet potato pie and macaroni and cheese. These dishes are universally enjoyed by people of all races and cultures. And as Black individuals moved out of the South, they brought their meals and cooking styles with them.

Country cooking is unique, flavorful and comprised of the foods and techniques honed by people from many cultures.