Traditional Southern Hush Puppies bring a taste of the Southern U.S. straight to your kitchen. With their crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior, these cornmeal-based delights are perfect as a side or appetizer, especially for those craving a comforting, home-cooked experience.
The magic starts with cornmeal, which gives these hush puppies their signature texture and flavor. Adding all-purpose flour helps bind the ingredients together, creating a dough that fries up beautifully. The baking powder and baking soda are your leavening agents, ensuring each bite is light and fluffy, while a touch of salt enhances all the flavors. A dash of garlic powder and onion powder gives a subtle depth, complemented by the real finely chopped onion for a little bite and sweetness. Egg and buttermilk add moisture and richness, while melted butter introduces a layer of indulgence. Finally, you'll need vegetable oil for frying, ensuring that perfect golden crust.
Start by whisking together your dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large mixing bowl. This ensures they’re evenly distributed before you add the wet ingredients. Next, stir in the chopped onion, egg, buttermilk, and melted butter. Mix until everything is just combined; the batter will be thick but not too dry.
Now, heat your vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to about 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, a cube of bread should sizzle and turn golden in about a minute at the right temperature. Using a tablespoon, carefully drop rounded scoops of the batter into the oil. Fry them in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. You want them to have enough room to bob around and cook evenly.
Fry each batch for about 3 to 4 minutes, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil, and let them drain on paper towels to rid them of excess oil.
Hush puppies are a wonderful accompaniment to fried fish, barbecued meats, or a hearty bowl of chili. For a Southern-style feast, serve them alongside coleslaw and tangy dipping sauces like remoulade or honey butter sauce. They are also great as standalone snacks with a cool, creamy dip.
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