Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeno peppers
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Deep fryer or large pot for frying
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Add the cooked bacon, diced jalapeno peppers, and diced onion to the dry ingredients and mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and milk together.
4. Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.
6. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop the hushpuppy batter into the hot oil, a few at a time.
7. Fry the hushpuppies for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon or spider strainer.
8. Remove the hushpuppies from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
9. Repeat until all the batter is used.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Fryer or pot temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
- Makes approximately 24 hushpuppies
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 97 per hushpuppy
- Fat: 4.5g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of bacon, you can use cooked and crumbled sausage or ham.
- If you don't have jalapeno peppers, you can use diced green bell peppers or canned green chilies.
- You can use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a tangier flavor.
Variations:
- Add shredded cheddar cheese to the batter for a cheesy twist.
- Use corn kernels instead of jalapeno peppers for a sweeter hushpuppy.
- Make mini hushpuppies by using a smaller cookie scoop or spoon.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the hushpuppies to ensure they cook evenly and don't absorb too much oil.
- Don't overcrowd the fryer or pot with too many hushpuppies at once, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy hushpuppies.
- Serve the hushpuppies immediately after frying for the best texture and flavor.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover hushpuppies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the hushpuppies, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the hushpuppies on a platter with a dipping sauce, such as ranch or honey mustard.
- Garnish the hushpuppies with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
Pairings:
- Serve the hushpuppies as a side dish with grilled or fried chicken, fish, or shrimp.
- Pair them with a cold beer or a glass of sweet tea.
Suggested side dishes:
- Coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Potato salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the hushpuppies are too greasy, try increasing the oil temperature or frying them in smaller batches.
- If the hushpuppies are too dry, try adding a little more milk to the batter.
Food safety advice:
- Use caution when working with hot oil and never leave it unattended.
- Make sure the hushpuppies are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food history:
- Hushpuppies are a traditional Southern dish made from cornmeal batter that is deep-fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are often served as a side dish with seafood or barbecue.
Flavor profiles:
- The bacon and jalapeno add a smoky and spicy kick to the hushpuppies, while the cornmeal and flour provide a crispy and slightly sweet texture.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the hushpuppies hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious and satisfying snack or side dish.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A