Get ready to transport yourself to the heart of Southern cuisine with these irresistible Hush Puppies straight from the legendary Foxfire cookbook! These golden, crispy morsels are more than just a side dish – they're a nostalgic journey into traditional Southern cooking that will have your family and friends begging for more. Imagine biting into a perfectly fried, crunchy exterior that gives way to a soft, flavorful interior studded with sweet onions – this is comfort food at its absolute finest!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Cornmeal
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Sugar
- Salt
- Onion, finely chopped
- Egg
- Milk
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well blended and free of lumps.
- Add the finely chopped onion to the dry ingredient mixture and mix thoroughly to distribute the onion evenly throughout the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and milk together until well combined. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the egg and milk mixture into it.
- Gently fold and stir the wet and dry ingredients together until a thick, slightly lumpy batter forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the hush puppies tough.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
- Using a small ice cream scoop or two spoons, carefully drop small balls of batter (about 1-2 tablespoons each) into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry the hush puppies for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C).
- Remove the hush puppies with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer. Optional: Serve with tartar sauce, remoulade, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain the oil at exactly 375°F. Too cool, and your hush puppies will be greasy; too hot, and they'll burn on the outside while remaining raw inside.
- Don't Overmix: Treat the batter gently. Overmixing will develop gluten and make your hush puppies tough instead of tender.
- Uniform Size Matters: Use a small ice cream scoop or two spoons to create consistent-sized balls. This ensures even cooking and a professional look.
- Drain Properly: Let the hush puppies rest on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain their crispy texture.
- Serve Immediately: Hush puppies are best enjoyed fresh and hot. If you need to keep them warm, place them in a low oven (200°F) for a short time, but avoid leaving them too long to prevent losing their crisp.
- Get Creative with Dipping: While they're delicious on their own, try serving with various dipping sauces like remoulade, spicy mayo, or honey butter to elevate the experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
