Quick-and-Easy Hush Puppies

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until combined. Add the buttermilk mixture to the cornmeal mixture and stir until just combined.
3. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the batter and stir to combine.
4. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Scoop the batter by the tablespoonful into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip and fry for another 2 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Remove the hush puppies from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to cool.
7. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Interesting Facts

• Hush puppies are believed to have originated in the Southern United States in the 19th century.
• The name “hush puppies” comes from the belief that fishermen would fry up the cornmeal-based snacks and toss them to their dogs to “hush” them up.
• Hush puppies are traditionally served with fried fish.