Fried Cornbread (Southern Hoe Cakes)
These Southern Hoe Cakes, or Fried Cornbread, feature a delightful crispy exterior and a tender interior, infused with the rich, buttery essence of traditional cornbread. They are an excellent accompaniment to greens, beans, or can even be enjoyed as a breakfast option with syrup!
Ingredients:
1 cup cornmeal (yellow or white)
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 large egg, beaten
¾ cup buttermilk (or milk)
¼ cup water
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus additional for frying)
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar (if desired), baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk the beaten egg, buttermilk, water, and melted butter until thoroughly combined.
3. Prepare the Batter:
Slowly incorporate the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. The batter should be thick yet pourable; add a little more water if necessary.
4. Preheat the Skillet:
Heat a cast-iron skillet or a heavy frying pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter along with a small amount of vegetable oil to the pan.
5. Cook the Cornbread:
Spoon approximately ¼ cup of batter into the hot skillet, gently spreading it into a round shape. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Continue Cooking:
Repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding more butter or oil to the skillet as required.
7. Serve:
Enjoy hot with butter, honey, or syrup for a sweet addition, or pair with savory dishes such as collard greens, beans, or fried chicken.
Details:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10 hoe cakes
Tips:
To keep the fried cornbread warm, place them on a baking sheet in a 200°F (93°C) oven while you finish frying the rest.
For an added savory flavor, consider mixing in finely chopped green onions, diced jalapeños, or shredded cheese into the batter.
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