Maria Rumlin's Signature Southern Recipes Reveal Bold, Simple Flavors

Maria Rumlin, known for her cooking at M & R Café Southern Cuisine, has shared three of her signature recipes. Each dish combines simple techniques with bold flavours. Among them are a hearty meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, and a quick, vibrant broccolini side.

The meatloaf starts with a mix of 5 lb lean beef, 2 cups each of Parmesan cheese, onion and peppers, corn flakes, and breadcrumbs. The recipe also calls for 3 eggs, 3 garlic cloves, and 32 oz of beef broth for moisture. Once shaped, it bakes at 385 °F for 2 hours. After resting for 30 minutes, the meatloaf is sliced and soaked in gravy for another 20 minutes to lock in flavour.

For the mashed potatoes, 6-8 medium potatoes are boiled until soft. They're then combined with butter, heavy cream, garlic powder, and 1 1/2 cups of Parmesan cheese. Salt, pepper, and four garlic cloves add extra depth to the dish. The 'Sexy' Broccolini begins with sautéing 16 oz of the vegetable in avocado or olive oil for about a minute. Liquids like chardonnay, chicken broth, and aromatics—garlic, onions, and Herbes de Provence—are added for 5 minutes. Finally, cherry tomatoes join the pan for the last 2 minutes, finishing the dish with a bright, fresh taste.

These recipes highlight Rumlin's approach to Southern-inspired cooking: rich flavours, straightforward steps, and generous portions. The meatloaf, potatoes, and broccolini can be prepared separately or served together as a full meal. Each dish relies on accessible ingredients and clear methods for home cooks to follow.