Classic Cornmeal Hushpuppies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (120g) cornmeal 1 cup (120g) cornmeal
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1/4 cup (40g) finely chopped onion 1/4 cup (40g) finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, water, chopped onion, and sugar.
3. 3.
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
5. 5.
   Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, working in batches.
6. 6.
   Fry the hushpuppies for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. 7.
   Remove the hushpuppies from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. 8.
   Serve the hushpuppies warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cornmeal — Use fine or medium-grind cornmeal for the best texture in the hushpuppies.
• Buttermilk — If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, add chopped jalapenos or bell peppers to the batter.
• Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to ensure crispy hushpuppies.
• Serve the hushpuppies with a dipping sauce like remoulade or tartar sauce for added deliciousness.
• To keep the hushpuppies warm and crispy, place them on a wire rack in a preheated oven at 120°C (250°F) until ready to serve.
• Leftover hushpuppies can be reheated in a toaster oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Classic Cornmeal Hushpuppies as a side dish with fried fish, shrimp, or barbecue. They also make a great appetizer or snack on their own.

Presentation advice

Arrange the hushpuppies on a platter or in a basket lined with parchment paper. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.