Description
Southern cornmeal hoecakes deliver crispy golden comfort straight from traditional kitchens, with their irresistible crunch and rich heritage. Delicate yet hearty, these simple pan-fried delights invite you to savor a slice of culinary nostalgia with each warm, buttery bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cornmeal Base:
- 2 cups cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup water
Cooking and Flavor Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tbsp butter (optional, for greasing)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Combine cornmeal, flour, salt, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly and eliminate potential clumps.
- In a separate bowl, vigorously beat eggs, then incorporate buttermilk and water, creating a smooth, consistent liquid mixture.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined, ensuring no flour pockets remain but avoiding overmixing which could toughen the batter.
- Allow batter to rest for 5-7 minutes, enabling cornmeal to absorb liquid and develop a more cohesive texture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat, aiming for approximately 350°F, which provides ideal frying temperature.
- Optional: Lightly grease pan with butter for enhanced flavor and preventing sticking.
- Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil, creating small circular hoecakes that will crisp and golden quickly.
- Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until edges turn deep golden brown and center appears set, adjusting heat to maintain consistent temperature.
- Remove hoecakes using a slotted spatula, placing on paper towels to drain excess oil and preserve crispiness.
- Serve immediately while hot and crisp, optionally seasoning with additional black pepper for extra zest.
Notes
- Adjust cornmeal texture by experimenting with fine or coarse-ground varieties for different crunch levels.
- Swap buttermilk with regular milk and add a splash of vinegar for quick dairy-free alternative.
- Control oil temperature precisely using a kitchen thermometer to prevent burning or undercooked centers.
- Transform recipe into gluten-free version by replacing wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour for dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg