Enjoy a taste of the South with this delectable Southern Style Hot Water Cornbread. Made with simple pantry ingredients like cornmeal, hot water, and a touch of sugar, this cornbread is super easy to make and pairs well with a variety of dishes. The hot water helps create a soft and cake-like texture on the inside, while the exterior gets nice and crispy when fried in hot oil. Serve it as a side for your favorite Southern meals or enjoy it on its own as a tasty snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup boiling water
- Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, salt, and sugar.
- Pour the boiling water over the cornmeal mixture and stir well until thoroughly combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky, similar to pancake batter. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the cornmeal to absorb the water.
- In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat.
- Using a large spoon or an ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the cornmeal mixture into the hot oil, flattening them slightly to form round discs. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet.
- Fry the cornbread for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat if necessary to avoid burning.
- Remove the cornbread from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
- Repeat the process with the remaining cornmeal mixture, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
- Serve the Southern Style Hot Water Cornbread hot and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Hot water cornbread is a popular dish in the Southern United States, particularly in states like Mississippi and Louisiana.
This type of cornbread is also sometimes called 'hoecake' or 'Johnny cake'.
Hot water cornbread is typically made without eggs or milk, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
The crispy exterior and soft interior of hot water cornbread make it a perfect complement to dishes like fried chicken or collard greens.