Hush Puppies (American South)

A hush puppy is a small, savoury, deep-fried round ball made from cornmeal-based batter. Hush puppies are frequently served as a side dish with seafood and other deep-fried foods. In the South Hush Puppies are round golf ball sized, light and flakey cornmeal batter that is fried golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside served as a side dish to any southern meal. These hush puppies are the perfect side dish ready in minutes.

oil, or frying
¾ cup all-purpose flour, unbleached
¾ cup cornmeal
1 Tbsp. sugar
1½ tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. onion powder
½ tsp. ground paprika
¼ tsp. black pepper, freshly ground
1 large egg
1 cup buttermilk
4 Tbsp. butter, cold, cut into small cubes

To Serve:
tartar sauce

Preheat 2" of oil in a large skillet to 375°F (190°C).

In a medium sized mixing bowl add the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and pepper. Add the egg and buttermilk and stir until combined. Stir in cubed butter.

Drop the batter by rounded teaspoonfuls in the hot oil. Let cook until they are golden brown 2-3 minutes. Remove with a metal strainer on a paper toweled lined plate. Serve with tartar sauce if desired.

Makes 8 servings.