Arkansas Hush Puppies are savory fried balls made with cornmeal batter and flavored with a variety of spice blends. These crispy treats are a staple in the southern cuisine and are typically served as an accompaniment to fish, seafood, or barbeque dishes. The origins of the hush puppies are not clear, but the most popular theory suggests that they were invented by slaves who used the leftovers from the kitchens to create a filling snack.
Ingredients
The basic recipe for Arkansas Hush Puppies calls for a simple set of ingredients - cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, egg, onion, and baking powder. However, each cook has their own version of the recipe and may use additional spices or flavorings to make the hush puppies more interesting. Some common ingredients that are added to the batter are jalapenos, garlic, cheese, paprika, cayenne pepper, and green onions.
Preparation
To make the batter, the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and spices are mixed together in a bowl. The egg and buttermilk are then added to the mixture to make a thick batter. Finally, the chopped onion or other fillings are stirred into the batter. The batter is then dropped with a spoon into hot oil and fried until golden brown. The hush puppies are then drained on paper towels to remove the excess oil.
Serving
Arkansas Hush Puppies are typically served as a side dish to seafood or barbeque meals. They are best served hot and crispy, with a dab of butter or a sprinkle of salt. Some people prefer to dip the hush puppies in tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or even honey butter.
Variations
While the basic recipe for Arkansas Hush Puppies is delicious on its own, many cooks like to experiment with different variations to add more flavor and texture. Here are some popular variations of the recipe:
Cheesy Hush Puppies
Add shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese to the batter to give the hush puppies a cheesy flavor. The cheese will also create a gooey center that is delicious with every bite.
Jalapeno Hush Puppies
For those who like a little heat, add chopped jalapenos or other hot peppers to the batter. These will give the hush puppies a spicy kick that pairs well with seafood and barbeque dishes.
Garlic Hush Puppies
Mince garlic and add it to the batter to give the hush puppies a savory flavor. Garlic hush puppies are perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or other savory dips.
Corn Hush Puppies
Add kernel corn to the batter to give the hush puppies a sweet and crunchy texture. Corn hush puppies are great with fried fish or barbeque chicken.
Green Onion Hush Puppies
Chop green onions or scallions and add them to the batter to give the hush puppies a fresh and oniony flavor. Green onion hush puppies are a great complement to seafood meals.
Conclusion
Arkansas Hush Puppies are a classic southern side dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Whether you prefer them plain or with added flavors and spices, these crispy treats are sure to please. Try making your own batch of Arkansas Hush Puppies and experiment with different variations to find your favorite flavor.
Valuable Tips When Making Arkansas Hush Puppies Recipes
Are you craving for some southern-style hush puppies to complete your meal? Look no further, as we present to you some valuable tips in making the perfect Arkansas hush puppies recipe.
1. Getting the Right Mix
One of the most important parts of making hush puppies is getting the mix right. You should start by mixing together self-rising cornmeal and flour equally in a large mixing bowl. Adding a teaspoon of baking powder will increase the fluffiness of your hush puppies. Next, you'll need to mix in eggs, chopped onion, and buttermilk until the batter is smooth. You may add a little sugar or honey to give the hush puppies a hint of sweetness.
2. Let the Batter Rest
After you've created the mix, it's time to let your batter rest. Put it in the fridge for about 10 to 20 minutes, to allow the dry ingredients to absorb the liquids, and the batter to thicken a bit. This makes it easier to scoop the balls of batter for frying. You'll notice that the batter will become more cohesive, which is what you want to avoid batter running and breaking apart during the frying process.
3. Heat the Oil
Make sure that you heat the oil to the right temperature. You'll need to heat the oil to about 375°F to get the best results. If the oil is not hot enough, your hush puppies will become greasy and not as crunchy. If it's too hot, the outside of the hush puppies will burn, while the insides remain undercooked. An oil thermometer is an excellent tool for making sure the oil temperature is exact.
4. Use the Right Tools
It's essential to use the right tools when making hush puppies. Use an ice cream scoop, or a spoon to shape the batter into rounds. Should you lack these tools, simply use a tablespoon to carefully remove the batter from the mixing bowl. Choose a plate or tray to have the perfectly shaped hush puppies before frying. Use a thermometer, to make sure the temperature of your oil stays at the right temperature.
5. Fry in Batches
Frying in batches ensures that the hush puppies cook evenly in the hot oil. Be careful not to overcrowd the frying pan, to avoid the process slowing down, and make sure that the temperature of the oil also remains consistent. Turn the hush puppies so that all sides are evenly cooked until they are golden brown.
6. Drain Excess Oil
After frying, let the hush puppies drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. This step helps to ensure that the hush puppies are crispy but not greasy. It also makes sure that none of the oil ends up on your plate!
7. Finger-Lickin' Good!
Now that your Arkansas hush puppies are ready, all that's left is to dig in and enjoy! This Southern-style staple pairs well with a variety of main dishes, such as fried fish, shrimp, or even a classic pulled pork sandwich. Thank us later!
Conclusion
In conclusion, these tips should help you make perfectly crispy and fluffy Arkansas hush puppies. Getting the mix right will make sure the batter is neither too thick nor too watery, and resting it in the fridge will let the dry ingredients absorb the moisture, making it easier to form balls. Heating the oil to the right temperature and frying in batches will ensure that they cook uniformly. Drain excess oil after frying to make your hush puppies less greasy, and serve these savory treats with your favorite dipping sauce as a perfect compliment to your Southern-inspired meal.
