Quiet Puppies from Piney Woods
Quiet puppies, known in English as "hush puppies," are a very popular traditional side dish in the southern United States. Their origin dates back to colonial times, when hunters or fishermen would fry small balls of cornmeal batter to calm or "hush" the dogs while they prepared the food, hence the name. In Latin America, although they do not have such a standardized name, they could be associated with buñuelos or corn fritters, depending on the country, although the recipe and texture may vary. In Mexico or Central America, similar dishes have different names and preparations due to local cultural influences, but the fundamental concept of a savory fried batter is common throughout the region.
The combination of ingredients in hush puppies is simple, but the result is a delight that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, ideal for accompanying fish, seafood, or barbecue dishes. Their rustic essence and slightly sweet and salty texture make them irresistible for many people in different countries.
How to Make Quiet Puppies from Piney Woods
Ingredients:
Yellow Cornmeal, Baking Soda, Salt, Granulated Sugar, Wheat Flour, Baking Powder, Egg, Buttermilk, Cooking Oil.
Steps:
Mix all the dry ingredients.
Whisk the milk and egg together and combine with the dry ingredients.
The batter should hold its shape when scooped with a spoon.
If it is too soft, add more cornmeal.
Drop by shaped spoonfuls into fat at 350 °F and cook for approximately 1 1/2 minutes.
Flip and cook the second side for 1 minute.
Allow the oil to heat up for a few seconds after removing a batch.
Delicious freshly cooked and hot.
However, leftover hush puppies freeze well.
When ready to serve frozen hush puppies, place them on the rack of a preheated oven at 250 °F until they are very hot and crispy.
Frying tips: using a heavy saucepan with a small diameter allows you to use a minimal amount of oil.
A 5 or 6-inch pan with oil 1 1/2 inches deep and heated to 350 °F will cook three hush puppies in approximately 2 1/2 minutes.
When the batter's consistency is correct and the oil is at 350 °F, the hush puppies will become firm and round almost as soon as they enter the hot oil.
If cooked in oil that is too hot, they will not cook in the center.
