Hushpuppies
Hushpuppies Recipe - A Classic Southern Dish from the USA
Introduction
Hushpuppies are a classic Southern dish that are perfect as a side dish or appetizer. These deep-fried cornmeal fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a delicious treat for any occasion.
History
Hushpuppies have a long history in Southern cuisine, with origins dating back to the early 18th century. The name "hushpuppies" is said to come from the practice of fishermen frying up these cornmeal fritters to "hush" their hungry dogs while they were cooking their catch. Today, hushpuppies are a beloved dish enjoyed by many across the United States.
Ingredients
Dry ingredients
- 2 cups of white self-rising cornmeal mix
- 0.5 cup of self-rising all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp of black pepper
- 0.5 tsp of garlic powder
Wet ingredients
- 0.33 cup of buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 6 tbsp of cooking oil
- 0.33 cup of finely chopped sweet peppers
- 0.33 cup of onions
How to prepare
- Combine the dry ingredients.
- Next, combine the wet ingredients.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing well. Add extra milk if necessary.
- Drop approximately 1 heaping tablespoon of the mixture into frying shortening heated to 350°F (177°C), and fry until golden brown.
- Once removed from the frying shortening, immediately sprinkle with salt and cover with a dry cloth towel.
Variations
- Add chopped jalapenos for a spicy kick.
- Mix in shredded cheese for added flavor.
- Use different seasonings such as paprika or cayenne pepper for a unique twist.
Notes
- You can make them ahead of time.
- Drop them on a cookie sheet with wax paper and freeze then put in to a zip lock bag.
- It will take a little longer to cook.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure your frying shortening is at the correct temperature before adding the hushpuppy batter to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan or fryer, as this can cause the hushpuppies to cook unevenly.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the hushpuppies from the frying shortening to drain off excess oil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hushpuppies alongside fried fish, shrimp, or barbecue for a classic Southern meal.
Cooking Techniques
Fry the hushpuppies in hot oil until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute the sweet peppers and onions with other vegetables such as corn or green onions.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the hushpuppy batter ahead of time and fry them just before serving for a fresh and hot dish.
Presentation Ideas
Serve hushpuppies in a basket lined with a checkered napkin for a classic Southern presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair hushpuppies with coleslaw, baked beans, or macaroni and cheese for a delicious meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover hushpuppies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven until crispy.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of hushpuppies contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of hushpuppies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of hushpuppies contains approximately 10 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of hushpuppies contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Hushpuppies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.
Alergens
Hushpuppies contain gluten from the cornmeal and flour, and may also contain dairy from the buttermilk and egg.
Summary
Hushpuppies are a delicious treat that are high in carbohydrates and fats, making them a rich and indulgent side dish.
Summary
Hushpuppies are a beloved Southern dish that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy these crispy cornmeal fritters as a side dish or appetizer with your favorite meal.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for hushpuppies. It was a warm summer day many years ago when I was visiting my friend Martha in the small town of Charleston, South Carolina. We had spent the morning exploring the local farmers market, picking up fresh vegetables and fruits for dinner that evening. As we were walking back to Martha's house, we passed by a little food stand selling hushpuppies.
The enticing aroma of fried cornmeal wafted through the air, drawing us in like a moth to a flame. Martha and I each bought a bag of the golden brown balls of deliciousness and sat down on a nearby bench to enjoy them. As we savored the crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior, Martha turned to me and said, "These hushpuppies are amazing! I bet we could make them at home."
I was intrigued by the idea and asked Martha if she knew how to make them. She admitted that she had never tried, but she had a friend who might have a recipe. Martha called her friend right then and there, and within minutes, we had the recipe in hand.
That evening, we gathered in Martha's kitchen, armed with the recipe and all the necessary ingredients. We mixed together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and buttermilk, forming a thick batter. We heated up a pot of oil on the stove and dropped spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, frying them until they were golden brown and crispy.
As we sat down to dinner that night, we couldn't believe how delicious our homemade hushpuppies turned out. The crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior were just like the ones we had bought at the food stand earlier that day. I was thrilled to have discovered this recipe and couldn't wait to make it again.
Over the years, I have made hushpuppies countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have added chopped onions and jalapenos for a spicy kick, or shredded cheese for a gooey, melty center. Each time I make them, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Charleston, where I first fell in love with this classic Southern dish.
I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of making hushpuppies from scratch. My grandchildren have grown up enjoying these crispy, golden balls of goodness, just like I did when I first learned to make them. And I know that as long as I have this recipe in my arsenal, I will always have a little piece of Charleston with me, no matter where life takes me.
So here's to hushpuppies, the humble yet delicious side dish that has brought me so much joy over the years. May they continue to bring warmth and comfort to those who make them, just as they have done for me.
Categories
| American Recipes | Buttermilk Recipes | Egg Recipes | Onion Recipes | Self-rising Flour Recipes | Sweet Pepper Recipes | World Recipes |