Southern Style Hush Puppies

Savoring Southern Comfort: Mastering the Art of Southern Style Hush Puppies

Step into the heart of Southern comfort with our guide to crafting the perfect Southern Style Hush Puppies. These golden nuggets of fried goodness encapsulate the warmth and hospitality of Southern cuisine. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the secrets to achieving the ideal combination of crispy exterior and fluffy interior, ensuring your hush puppies become a star on any table.

Ingredients:

For the Hush Puppies:

  1. Cornmeal – 2 cups: Choose a medium-grind cornmeal for that authentic texture.
  2. All-Purpose Flour – 1 cup: All-purpose flour helps bind the hush puppies and adds a lightness to the batter.
  3. Baking Powder – 1 tablespoon: Baking powder ensures the hush puppies puff up to perfection.
  4. Baking Soda – 1/2 teaspoon: A touch of baking soda aids in achieving that ideal fluffiness.
  5. Salt – 1 teaspoon: Salt enhances the overall flavor profile.
  6. Buttermilk – 1 cup: Buttermilk provides moisture and a slight tanginess.
  7. Egg – 1: An egg serves as a binding agent in the batter.
  8. Sweet Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped: Finely chopped sweet onion adds sweetness and depth.
  9. Corn Kernels – 1 cup (optional): For a burst of sweetness and texture, consider adding corn kernels.
  10. Jalapeño – 1, finely chopped (optional): Add a kick of heat by including finely chopped jalapeño.

For Frying:

  1. Vegetable Oil – For frying: Vegetable oil for deep frying, ensuring a crisp outer layer.

Instructions:

Creating the Hush Puppy Batter:

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in buttermilk and add the egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  3. Incorporate Onions (and Optional Ingredients): Fold in the finely chopped sweet onion and, if desired, corn kernels and jalapeño.
  4. Rest the Batter: Allow the batter to rest for about 10-15 minutes. This gives the cornmeal time to absorb the moisture, resulting in fluffier hush puppies.

Frying the Hush Puppies:

  1. Preheat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Drop Spoonfuls into Oil: Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  3. Fry Until Golden Brown: Fry the hush puppies for 2-3 minutes or until they achieve a golden brown color. Ensure they cook evenly by turning them with a slotted spoon.
  4. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the hush puppies from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Cook Notes and Variations:

  • Cheese Lover’s Delight: Mix in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a gooey surprise in the center.
  • Herbaceous Twist: Add a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an aromatic touch.
  • Bacon Bliss: Introduce bits of crispy bacon to the batter for a smoky flavor.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

  • Replace cornmeal with almond flour or a low-carb baking mix.
  • Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour.
  • Use a keto-friendly sweetener in place of sugar if a touch of sweetness is desired.
  • Fry in avocado oil for a keto-friendly option.

Low-Carb Version:

  • Opt for a low-carb baking mix or almond flour for the batter.
  • Use a sugar substitute for sweetness.
  • Fry in a low-carb oil such as avocado or coconut oil.

As you bite into a perfectly fried Southern Style Hush Puppy, you’re indulging in a piece of Southern heritage—a comforting and flavorful treasure. These golden nuggets capture the essence of Southern kitchens and the joy that comes from sharing delicious food. Share these hush puppies with loved ones, and let the crispy exterior and tender interior transport you to a front porch in the South. Here’s to mastering the art of Southern comfort—one hush puppy at a time.