Hush Puppies
Hush Puppies often take the place of bread at eateries south of the Mason Dixon line.
A thick buttermilk-based batter which is deep-fried rather than pan-fried, forms the hushpuppy, a common accompaniment to fried fish and other seafood in the South. Hushpuppy recipes vary from state to state, some including onion seasoning, chopped onions, beer, or jalapeños. Fried properly, the hushpuppy will be moist and yellow or white on the inside, while crunchy and light to medium-dark golden brown on the outside.
Hush Puppies
Variation: Add 1 cup of chopped green onion and 1 cup crumbled fried bacon to the batter. This suggestion is from Recipes from The Olde Pink House cookbook. They deep fry their hush puppies in bacon drippings.
3 cups yellow corn meal (can substitute
1 cup plain flour for a
lighter taste)
3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1 teaspoon baking powder
2/3 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs, beaten
1/8 cup bacon grease (optional)
1 cup buttermilk or plain milk (although nothing compares to buttermilk)
Corn oil, for deep frying
Mix all of the dry ingredients in a bowl. Add the eggs, bacon grease, and buttermilk. Stir until thoroughly blended.
Heat the corn oil. When it's hot, drop the hush puppies in using a table spoon. Allow them to brown on all sides. They should begin floating when done, but if they don't, don't overcook them.
Serve as a side dish with just about any meal, but they are especially good with fried catfish or pulled pork barbecue.
Note: You can also store this mixture in the refrigerator for a day or two. Before deep-frying bring the mixture to room temperature.
Hush Puppies Justin Wilson Style
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion salt
1 egg, beaten
1/4-1/2 cup finely chopped green onion (including the green part)
3/4-1 cup buttermilk (add slowly so you don't get the batter too runny.)
vegetable oil (for frying)
Combine all dry ingredients.
Add egg, buttermilk and onions.
Mix well.
4 Drop in deep hot oil by spoonsful and brown on all sides.
6 - 8 servings
Hot and Spicy Hush Puppies
Recipe courtesy The Neelys
1 cup yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup self-rising flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 small sweet onion, finely chopped
1/2 jalapeno, finely chopped
4 green onions, sliced thin
1 large egg, beaten
1/4 cup grated Cheddar
1 cup buttermilk
Orange dipping sauce, recipe follows
Preheat deep fryer to 375 degrees F.
Mix all the ingredients together into a large mixing bowl to form a thick batter.
Dip 2 tablespoon spoons into water. Using the spoons scoop up some of the batter and drop into the hot oil. Work in batches. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden and brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel lined sheet tray. Serve with dipping sauce.
4 - 5 servings
Gina's Orange Dipping Sauce:
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup orange marmalade
Mix the above ingredients together.
