Description
Hush Puppies are a classic Southern snack made from a simple cornmeal batter, seasoned with onions and bell peppers, and deep-fried to crispy golden perfection. Perfectly crunchy on the outside and tender inside, these savory fritters are a beloved accompaniment to fried fish, barbecue, or enjoyed on their own.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
Vegetables
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
For Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and the lightly beaten egg until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous, which will help bind the batter.
- Add Vegetables: Stir the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper into the buttermilk and egg mixture, incorporating the fresh veggies that add flavor and texture.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should remain thick and slightly lumpy for the best texture.
- Heat Oil: In a deep frying pan or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), the ideal temperature for frying hush puppies to a golden crisp.
- Fry Hush Puppies: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of batter carefully into the hot oil, frying in small batches to prevent overcrowding. Cook until golden brown on each side, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the hush puppies from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil, ensuring they remain crispy and not greasy.
- Serve Warm: Serve the hush puppies warm as a delicious side dish or snack, complementing seafood, barbecue, or as a tasty treat on their own.
Notes
- Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to ensure hush puppies cook evenly and absorb minimal oil.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the hush puppies light and tender inside.
- For a spicier version, consider adding finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
- Use fresh vegetable oil for frying to get the best flavor and crispness.
- Hush puppies are best served immediately after frying for optimal crunchiness.
