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**Southern Hush Puppies: A Crispy, Golden Bite of Southern Comfort**
If you’ve ever visited the South or indulged in Southern cuisine, you’ve probably come across **hush puppies**—those crispy, golden-fried balls of cornmeal perfection that are the epitome of Southern comfort food. While they may be humble in appearance, these savory treats are packed with flavor and a true staple of Southern cooking.
Whether served alongside a plate of fried fish, crispy fried chicken, or just as a snack on their own, **Southern hush puppies** never fail to deliver that irresistible crunch and soft, slightly sweet interior. Here’s everything you need to know about these delightful morsels and how to make them at home!
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### **What Are Hush Puppies?**
Hush puppies are deep-fried cornmeal fritters, typically seasoned with a mix of onions, garlic, and sometimes even a hint of cayenne pepper for a mild kick. They get their name from an old Southern tradition—hunters and fishermen would fry up the dough and toss it to their dogs to “hush” them during mealtime. Hence, the name “hush puppies.”
The beauty of hush puppies lies in their **crispy outer shell** and **soft, moist center**, which makes for the perfect balance of texture. The cornmeal gives them a light, slightly sweet flavor, while the seasonings elevate their taste to something special.
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### **Ingredients You’ll Need**
– **1 cup cornmeal** (preferably stone-ground for a more authentic texture)
– **1/2 cup all-purpose flour**
– **1 tablespoon sugar**
– **1 tablespoon baking powder**
– **1 teaspoon salt**
– **1/2 teaspoon black pepper**
– **1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper** (optional, for a bit of heat)
– **1 small onion**, finely chopped
– **1 egg**
– **1 cup buttermilk** (for richness and tang)
– **2 tablespoons milk** (you can adjust as needed)
– **Vegetable oil**, for frying (canola or peanut oil works well)
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### **How to Make Southern Hush Puppies**
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients**
In a large bowl, combine the **cornmeal**, **flour**, **baking powder**, **sugar**, **salt**, and **black pepper**. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
#### **Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients**
In a separate bowl, whisk together the **buttermilk**, **milk**, and **egg** until well combined. Gradually pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until you have a thick, slightly lumpy batter.
#### **Step 3: Add the Onion**
Fold in the finely chopped **onion**. This adds an extra layer of flavor and a little texture to the hush puppies, making them even more irresistible.
#### **Step 4: Heat the Oil**
In a large pot or deep fryer, heat about **2-3 inches of vegetable oil** over medium-high heat. The oil should reach about **350°F (175°C)**. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small spoonful of batter into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the surface, it’s ready.
#### **Step 5: Fry the Hush Puppies**
Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, carefully drop rounded spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Be sure not to overcrowd the pot—fry in batches if needed. Fry the hush puppies for about **3-4 minutes**, or until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
#### **Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
Serve your freshly fried hush puppies hot and crispy! They are perfect alongside **fried fish**, **barbecued meats**, or just with a side of **dipping sauce** like honey butter, tartar sauce, or even a spicy ketchup.
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