Crispy Southern Hush Puppies Recipe for Foodies
Are you looking for a deliciously crunchy and savory southern side dish? Look no further than these True Southern Hush Puppies! These small balls of fried cornmeal batter are a staple in any true southern kitchen. They’re perfect to pair with seafood, burgers, or even on their own as an appetizer.
The origin of hush puppies is quite intriguing. The name is said to have originated from hunters and fishermen in the south who would fry a cornmeal batter mixed with onion and feed them to their dogs to keep them quiet (or “hush”) while they were waiting for a catch. Eventually, this dish evolved into a beloved southern delicacy that is now often served at fish fries and barbecues.
Making these southern hush puppies is surprisingly easy. With just a few key ingredients, including yellow cornmeal, self-rising flour, and onion, you can create a crispy, golden-brown ball of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing.
In this recipe article, I will take you through all the steps needed to make these homemade hush puppies from scratch, along with some tips and tricks to ensure your results are perfect every time. So let’s get started and make some soul food magic in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you craving for some Southern-style comfort food? Look no further as I present to you the True Southern Hush Puppies Recipe. These little balls of goodness are a staple in any soul food feast and for good reason. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, with a slight hint of sweetness that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
But why choose this recipe over others? Well, let me tell you. Firstly, it uses simple ingredients that can be easily found at any grocery store. In fact, you may already have most of them in your pantry right now! All it takes is some yellow cornmeal, self-rising flour, baking powder, milk, onion, egg, and salt to create this delectable treat.
Secondly, this recipe is extremely versatile. You can customize it to your liking by adding in some spices or herbs such as paprika or thyme. Or if you have a sweet tooth, simply add some sugar to the batter for an extra dose of sweetness. Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether as a side dish for fried chicken or fish fry, or as a snack in between meals – hush puppies always hit the spot.
Lastly, this recipe is easy to make! As long as you have a deep frying pan and oil ready to go. Simply mix all the ingredients together and then deep fry them until they’re golden brown. The result: freshly made hush puppies that are crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside.
Trust me when I say once you take your first bite into these hush puppies made from scratch, there’s no going back. They’re simply too delicious not to make again and again. So why not add this True Southern Hush Puppies Recipe to your repertoire and bring some Southern comfort right into your home?
Ingredient List
Let’s get started with a list of ingredients you’ll need to make these mouth-watering Southern hush puppies. Don’t worry, most of the items are pantry staples and easily available in any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredient List:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 3/4 cup water or milk (or combine both)
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 3 – 4 cups depending on size of fryer)
Tip: You can also use self-rising cornmeal mix instead of yellow cornmeal and just adjust the amount of salt accordingly.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve covered the “why” and “what,” it’s time for the “how.” First, let’s gather our ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup self-rising flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 small white onion, finely diced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup milk
- vegetable oil for frying (about 2 quarts)
Let’s begin:
Step One: Mix dry ingredients
Begin by combining the cornmeal, self-rising flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl.
Step Two: Add wet ingredients
Mix in the diced onion, beaten egg, and milk. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated in the batter.
Step Three: Set up your frying station
In a deep pot or fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat (350°F to 375°F). Make sure the oil level is deep enough that you can fully submerge the hush puppies during frying.
Step Four: Form batter into balls
Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, form batter into small balls about the size of a ping pong ball. Be careful not to pack them too tightly together or they won’t cook evenly.
Step Five: Deep fry the hush puppies
When the oil is heated, drop the formed batter balls gently into the oil. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Using a slotted spoon or spider skimmer, remove the hush puppies from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step Six: Serve hot
Serve your homemade hush puppies hot and sprinkle with powdered sugar (optional).
Enjoy this traditional southern-style side dish as a perfect complement to any fish fry, barbeque, or soul food feast!
Substitutions and Variations
There are so many ways to get creative with this Southern-style Hush Puppies recipe. Here are a few ideas for substituting or varying the ingredients to make it your own:
– Spicy Hush Puppies: If you like a little heat, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the batter. You can also add diced jalapeño peppers for an extra kick.
– Cheesy Hush Puppies: Cheddar cheese is an excellent addition to this recipe. Mix in 1/2 to 1 cup of shredded cheese with the other dry ingredients. Make sure to use a light hand, so the puppies don’t get too heavy.
– Vegan/Dairy-Free: Substitute soy milk, almond milk, or another non-dairy milk for regular cow’s milk, and use egg substitute instead of eggs. Make sure to read the labels of self-rising flour and cornmeal as some brands may contain animal products.
– Gluten-Free: Instead of regular all-purpose flour, use gluten-free flour to make these hush puppies suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
– Grits Hush Puppies: Replace a cup of yellow cornmeal with a cup of grits. The result is a coarser texture that’s still delicious.
Don’t be afraid to try different combinations of ingredients and flavors that suit your taste buds. Whether you enjoy sweet or savory, there’s no wrong way to make these hush puppies. Remember, the best recipes often come from taking risks and trying new things!
Serving and Pairing
In the South, hush puppies are often served as a side dish along with other fried delights such as catfish or shrimp. There’s nothing like biting into a freshly made hush puppy and savoring the crunchy exterior that surrounds the soft and fluffy inside.
Pair your hush puppies with fresh seafood for a complete seafood feast, or serve them alongside other Southern favorites like collard greens and grits. Trust me; no one can resist these little balls of heaven.
For a touch of sweetness, dust the cooked hush puppies with powdered sugar before serving or serve alongside homemade honey butter for a delicious contrast of sweet and savory flavors.
No matter how you serve them, these Southern-style Hush Puppies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead and make yourself a batch of these crispy, golden-fried balls of cornmeal flour and enjoy a taste of the South.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As much as we all want to devour these golden and crispy hush puppies fresh out of the fryer, sometimes it’s impossible to finish them all in one sitting. Luckily, this recipe is easily adaptable for make-ahead, storing, and reheating.
To make ahead, you can prepare the hush puppy batter up to a day ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to fry. Just be sure to stir the batter well before using it because the ingredients may have separated during storage.
If you have leftover hush puppies, they are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat the hush puppies by placing them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-8 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.
If you wish to store uncooked hush puppy batter, keep the dry and wet ingredients separate until you’re ready to use them. Alternatively, you could also freeze the leftover hush puppies in an air-tight container or plastic bags for up to a month. To reheat frozen hush puppies, allow them to thaw completely before reheating in the oven or frying them up once again.
I do have a tip for those who are storing the hush puppies: Place a paper towel inside of your container or storage bag. The reason why is that after frying your hush puppies, their grease might mix with the moisture of the food which tends to make them soggy faster. By using a paper towel inside the storage area, it will absorb any excess moisture while keeping your fried food fresh for longer.
Reheating methods may vary depending on what kind of appliance you use but with these simple methods, you can always enjoy southern-style hush puppies anytime you wish!
Tips for Perfect Results
Hush puppies are a staple southern dish, but making them to perfection can be challenging. Here are a few tips to ensure that your hush puppies turn out light, fluffy and crispy every time.
1. Use Fresh Ingredients:
When it comes to cooking, using fresh ingredients is always the best way to guarantee flavor and quality. This applies to hush puppies as well. Make sure your cornmeal, flour and baking powder are fresh to ensure that your hush puppies are light and airy.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter:
One of the most common mistakes people make when making hush puppies is overmixing the batter. Overmixing leads to a tough, dense batter that doesn’t cook properly. Mix just enough to incorporate all the ingredients and leave the batter lumpy.
3. Get the Oil Temperature Right:
To achieve perfectly crispy hush puppies, it’s important to get the oil temperature right. Heat your oil in a deep pot or cast iron skillet to 350°F (175°C). If the temperature is too low, your hush puppies may be oily and heavy; if it’s too high, they may burn on the outside while remaining raw on the inside.
4. Use an Ice Cream Scoop:
Using an ice cream scoop or a spoon will help you create uniform-sized hush puppies, which will cook evenly and look appealing when served.
5. Cook in Small Batches:
When deep-frying hush puppies, it’s important not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in small batches so that they cook evenly and don’t stick together.
6. Drain on Paper Towels:
After deep-frying, let your hush puppies drain on paper towels for a few minutes to remove any excess oil before serving.
7. Add Sugar for Extra Flavor:
For an extra burst of sweetness, add sugar to your batter recipe in small amounts. It will give your hush puppies a lovely golden color and a unique flavor that adds depth to this southern classic.
Using these tips, your hush puppies will be the perfect side dish for your next fish fry or soul food supper. Enjoy!
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be some questions or concerns that come up while making True Southern Hush Puppies. In this section, I’ll address some common inquiries and provide tips for troubleshooting potential issues. Let’s get started!
Are hush puppies Southern?
One of the delicacies in the South are hush puppies – tiny, crispy balls crafted from cornmeal batter. Typically served next to fried foods, these unassuming nuggets are an essential dish to accompany seafood, especially catfish.
What are Long John Silver’s hush puppies made of?
Hush puppies, a popular Southern-style dish, are a type of fritter made primarily from cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Though typically served as a side dish with seafood, hush puppies can also be enjoyed without any seafood involved.
What are traditional hush puppies made of?
When it comes to making hush puppies, a typical mixture of yellow cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, buttermilk or milk and eggs creates a perfect foundation. In addition, onions or scallions can be included, and experimenting with flavorful add-ins such as spicy peppers, cheese, spices or beer can create a unique twist.
Why do my hush puppies fall apart?
To keep your fried hushpuppies warm, I recommend setting your oven to the “keep warm” setting while you fry the remaining batches. Also, make sure to allow the batter to reach room temperature before frying. If the batter is too cold, you may run the risk of them falling apart during the frying process.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this true southern hush puppies recipe is not just a side dish—it’s a soulful, flavorful and delicious culinary experience that will leave you wanting more. With its simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions and versatile options for substitutions and variations, this recipe truly embodies the southern hospitality and warmth that is so central to southern cuisine.
Whether you’re enjoying it with a side of grits and fish fry or as a standalone snack, hush puppies are a staple of southern food that make for the perfect addition to any meal. So why settle for store-bought versions when you can make homemade hush puppies that will surely impress your guests?
I urge you to give this recipe a try, experiment with different variations and find your own unique way to make hush puppies. Trust me, once you taste the perfectly crispy exterior with a soft and fluffy interior, you’ll never go back to store-bought or restaurant-made ones again.
So go ahead and share this recipe with your friends and family, make some wholesome southern-style hush puppies at home and savor the warm memories and delicious flavors it will evoke for years to come. Enjoy!
True Southern Hush Puppies Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups yellow cornmeal
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 egg
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon instant grits (optional)
Instructions
- Mix all together and drop in hot oil by teaspoonfuls drain on paper.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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