Spicy Hush Puppies

Delicious Spicy Hush Puppies Recipe from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: : 6

Introduction

Spicy Hush Puppies are a delicious and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any meal. These crispy, golden brown bites are filled with cheesy goodness and a hint of heat from the cayenne pepper. They are easy to make and sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Hush puppies are a popular Southern dish that is believed to have originated in the Southern United States. The exact origins of the dish are unclear, but it is thought to have been created by African slaves who would fry leftover bits of cornmeal batter to feed to their dogs to keep them quiet ("hush" them up) while they cooked. Over time, hush puppies became a beloved side dish in Southern cuisine and are now enjoyed all over the country.

Ingredients

0.75 cup yellow cornmeal
0.5 cup flour
1.5 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp salt
0.13 tsp red pepper (cayenne)
1 cup shredded Monterrey jack cheese
1 4 oz (113 g) can chopped green chilies, drained
1 tbsp minced onion
1 egg
0.5 cup milk
vegetable oil

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine the first 8 ingredients. Create a well in the center of the mixture and add the egg and milk. Stir until moistened.
In a Dutch oven, pour oil to a depth of 3 inches and heat to 375°. Carefully drop batter by rounded tablespoons into the hot oil. Fry a few at a time for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels.
Serve immediately. This recipe yields about 2 dozen.

Variations

Add diced jalapenos for extra heat.
Use different types of cheese such as cheddar or pepper jack.
Mix in cooked bacon or sausage for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the hush puppies to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

- Use a slotted spoon to carefully drop the batter into the hot oil to prevent splattering.

- Drain the hush puppies on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil.

- Serve the hush puppies immediately for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spicy Hush Puppies as a side dish with fried chicken, BBQ ribs, or seafood dishes. They also make a great appetizer for parties and gatherings.

Cooking Techniques

Frying is the traditional cooking technique for hush puppies, but you can also bake them in the oven for a healthier option.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

- Substitute almond milk for dairy milk for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the batter for Spicy Hush Puppies ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to fry.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Spicy Hush Puppies on a platter with a side of dipping sauce such as ranch dressing or honey mustard.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Spicy Hush Puppies with coleslaw, baked beans, or macaroni and cheese for a classic Southern meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Spicy Hush Puppies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spicy Hush Puppies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spicy Hush Puppies contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spicy Hush Puppies contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Spicy Hush Puppies contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Spicy Hush Puppies are a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin A.

Alergens

Spicy Hush Puppies contain dairy (cheese) and wheat (flour).

Summary

Spicy Hush Puppies are a tasty side dish that is relatively low in calories and high in carbohydrates and fats. They also provide a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Spicy Hush Puppies are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a crispy exterior and a cheesy, spicy interior, these hush puppies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve them with your favorite main dish for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. I was just a young girl, visiting my Aunt Mabel's house in the countryside. She was known for her delicious Southern cooking, and that day she was making her famous Spicy Hush Puppies.

I remember watching in awe as she mixed together the ingredients in a large bowl. The smell of onions, garlic, and jalapenos filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. Aunt Mabel had a way of making even the simplest of dishes taste like a gourmet meal.

As she dropped spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, the hush puppies sizzled and turned golden brown. The aroma was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to try one. When she finally placed a plate of them in front of me, I eagerly took a bite. The crispy exterior gave way to a tender, flavorful center that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I begged Aunt Mabel to teach me how to make her Spicy Hush Puppies, and she agreed. She took me under her wing and showed me the ropes, explaining each step in detail. I watched and learned as she expertly mixed the ingredients, shaped the batter into balls, and fried them to perfection.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own taste. I added a touch more cayenne pepper for an extra kick, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Each time I made them, I thought of Aunt Mabel and the special bond we shared over our love of cooking.

As I grew older, I continued to experiment with different variations of the recipe. I tried adding corn kernels for a bit of sweetness, or chopped bacon for a smoky flavor. No matter how I changed it up, the Spicy Hush Puppies always brought back memories of that day in Aunt Mabel's kitchen.

Years passed, and I became known for my own version of the recipe. Friends and family would request them at gatherings and potlucks, always eager to taste the mouthwatering morsels that had become my signature dish. I was proud to carry on Aunt Mabel's legacy, sharing her recipe with a new generation of food lovers.

Now, as I sit here in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of Spicy Hush Puppies for dinner, I can't help but smile. The simple dish holds so much meaning for me, a reminder of the bond between family and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.

As I take a bite of a freshly fried hush puppy, I close my eyes and savor the flavors that dance on my tongue. The memories of Aunt Mabel and her delicious cooking flood back to me, filling me with warmth and nostalgia. And as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I know that her spirit lives on in every dish I make.