Peppery Hush Puppies
Peppery hush puppies are crispy, golden-fried cornmeal treats infused with green pepper, jalapenos, and Creole seasoning, offering a flavorful kick. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, they appeal to those who enjoy spicy, savory bites with a crunchy exterior and tender interior.
Ingredients
- 2 cups yellow corn meal ⓘ
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning ⓘ
- 1/2 cup buttermilk ⓘ
- 2/3 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup melted margarine
- 1 egg
- 1 cup grated onion ⓘ
- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients in a bowl; add buttermilk, water, melted margarine, and beaten egg. Mix well.
- Stir in the grated onion, finely chopped green pepper, and chopped jalapenos.
- Carefully drop batter by teaspoon into hot oil at 375°F.
- Fry for 3 to 5 minutes, turning once, until hush puppies are golden brown.
- Drain well on paper towels before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding some finely chopped bell peppers or even a dash of hot sauce to the batter. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a little vinegar. Make sure the oil is hot enough to ensure crispy hush puppies; you can test it with a small drop of batter before frying the whole batch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these peppery hush puppies as a delightful appetizer or side dish alongside fried fish or shrimp. They also pair beautifully with a tangy dipping sauce like Curry Dip or tartar sauce. For a complete meal, consider offering a fresh salad or coleslaw to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover hush puppies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peppery Hush Puppies contains roughly 103 calories, with 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 7g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make hush puppies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before frying. This allows the flavors to meld, but do not let it sit too long, as the baking powder may lose its effectiveness.
What can I serve with hush puppies?
Hush puppies are versatile and can complement a variety of dishes. They pair well with fried catfish, shrimp, or even a hearty gumbo. For a unique twist, try serving them alongside a spicy dipping sauce or even with Nanny'S Gingersnaps for dessert.
Can I freeze leftover hush puppies?
Yes, you can freeze hush puppies! Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven for best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).