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Southern Hush Puppies

Southern Hush Puppies are delightful, deep-fried cornmeal balls that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Often served as a side dish, these savory bites are perfect for complementing fried fish, barbecue, and other Southern dishes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Southern
Servings 4 People
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
  • 1 slotted spoon
  • 1 baking sheet lined with paper towels
  • 1 set measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup diced green onions (scallions) Can substitute with diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
  • Oil for frying enough to fill the fryer or pot about 2 inches deep

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Whisk together until well mixed.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until well blended.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture. Gently fold in the diced green onions.
  • Heat the oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
  • Once the oil is hot, use a slotted spoon to carefully drop heaping tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry in batches if necessary.
  • Fry the hush puppies for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and floating at the top.
  • Remove the hush puppies using a slotted spoon and place them on the lined baking sheet to drain any excess oil.
  • Serve warm, and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside your main dish.

Notes

You can substitute diced jalapeños for green onions if you prefer a spicy kick.
Hush puppies can be kept warm in a low-temperature oven if you need to cook in batches.
For a healthier version, consider baking them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden.