Ingredients

1 c. all-purpose flour

3/4 c. cornmeal

1 tbsp. granulated sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

3/4 tsp. kosher salt, plus more for sprinkling

1/2 c. plus 2 tbsp. buttermilk

Pinch cayenne pepper

1/2 onion (about 1 cup), minced

1 large egg, beaten

2 tbsp. finely chopped chives (optional)

Vegetable oil, for frying

Tartar sauce, for serving (optional)

Preparation

Step 1In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt and cayenne. Add buttermilk, onion, egg and chives and stir until just combined. (The dough will be thick and tacky.)Step 2Using a small cookie scoop, from mixture into small balls (about 2"). Step 3In a large deep skillet (or dutch oven), heat about 1" vegetable oil until oil is shimmering. (It should read about 375 ° on a candy thermometer.) Working in batches, carefully add hush puppies in a single layer using a large slotted spoon. Cook until deeply golden all over, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Immediately transfer cooked hush puppies to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with more salt. Step 4Serve hush puppies warm with tartar sauce.

Why is it called a hush puppy?  There are many theories around how the classic hush puppy got its name and origin. Many think that these fried balls of dough first came about during the Civil War, when soldiers tossed them at dogs to silence them when they heard approaching troops—hence the “hush puppy” name.  But, hush puppies most likely came from an older Southern dish called “red horse bread”: fried balls of cornmeal that accompanied fish fry dinners. The original “red horse” name—which referenced a common species of fish this side was often served with, not a horse at all—started to be called hush puppies as the recipe travelled to different Southern states like Georgia.“Hush puppy” was a common saying that referenced silencing the dogs in your stomach (aka: something to cure a grumbling tummy), and most likely that saying transferred over to the now beloved dish! While it’s odd, we can agree—these bites will cure any hangry craving. What’s the difference between a hush puppy and cornbread? Hush puppies are similar to cornbread in that they’re both made from a cornmeal batter, but hush puppies are shaped into balls and deep fried to give that crispy exterior with a soft middle while cornbread is baked in the oven. Essentially, you can think of hush puppies as deep fried balls of cornbread…and who wouldn’t want that? What should I serve it with? Traditionally, hush puppies are often paired with seafood dinner like shrimp, crab legs, or as a side to your seafood boil. We paired ours with tartar sauce, but you can also dunk them in Sriracha butter, garlic aioli or even plain ketchup—go crazy!  Made these? Let us know how it went in the comments below!