Nourishing Narratives
Rich in cultural diversity, New Jersey is home to communities large and small, each with its own values, cultures, and cuisine. Food has long served as a way to keep traditions from native lands alive while building bridges among neighbors.
Nourishing Narratives is an ongoing project which highlights dishes with ancestral ties that carry stories of home. Folk artists and community members share their favorite traditional recipes along with the hearty tales that are stirred in. We invite you to explore these time-tested, delectable contributions.
Italian Tomato Sauce and Vegan Meatballs
In traditional Italian households, Sunday afternoons are a time for all the family to gather around and enjoy a meal together. On these occasions, Susan grew up savoring the meatballs and tomato sauce made by her grandmother and mother. She continues with this Sunday tradition, but substituting chuck, pork, veal and cheese for her own vegan version of the dish.
Share a Recipe!
If you tried out a recipe, want to contribute your own, or have recommendations, please reach out! No two kitchens are alike, and many of our contributed recipes are easily adaptable. Foodways vary from cook to cook and we welcome the public to share their experiences.