Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup of cornmeal
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped scallions
- 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup of salsa
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs.
4. Add the milk and egg mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. Crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the batter, along with the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped scallions, and chopped cilantro. Stir until well combined.
6. Pour the batter into the skillet with the bacon grease and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown.
7. Flip the Hangtown Fry over and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the other side is golden brown.
8. Top the Hangtown Fry with salsa and serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 370
Fat per serving: 18g
Carbohydrates per serving: 34g
Protein per serving: 17g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of bacon, you can use ham or sausage.
- Instead of cheddar cheese, you can use any type of shredded cheese.
- Instead of scallions and cilantro, you can use any type of herbs or vegetables.
Variations:
- Add diced jalapenos or hot sauce to the batter for a spicy kick.
- Use different types of salsa, such as mango or pineapple salsa, for a different flavor.
- Top the Hangtown Fry with avocado or sour cream for added creaminess.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the skillet is hot before pouring in the batter to ensure a crispy crust.
- Use a spatula to gently flip the Hangtown Fry to prevent it from breaking apart.
- Serve immediately to prevent the batter from getting soggy.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Hangtown Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the Hangtown Fry in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the Hangtown Fry on a large platter and top with the salsa in the center. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro or scallions.
Garnishes:
Chopped cilantro, chopped scallions, diced avocado, sour cream
Pairings:
Serve with a side of roasted potatoes or a green salad.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Roasted potatoes, green salad
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the batter is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- If the Hangtown Fry is sticking to the skillet, add more bacon grease or oil to the pan.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure the eggs are fully cooked before serving.
- Store any leftover Hangtown Fry in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food History:
The Hangtown Fry is a classic dish from the California Gold Rush era, named after the town of Hangtown (now known as Placerville). It typically consists of fried oysters, bacon, and eggs, but this recipe puts a twist on the classic by using a cornmeal batter and topping it with salsa.
Flavor Profiles:
Savory, crispy, cheesy, tangy
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Salsa-Topped Hangtown Fry as a hearty breakfast or brunch dish.
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