Description
Soulful Southern cornbread hoecakes bring rustic charm to your table, honoring generations of Southern culinary tradition. Crisp edges, golden-brown surfaces, and hearty corn flavor invite comfort and connection with each delightful bite you savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal (preferably stone-ground)
- 3/4 cup hot water
Dry Seasonings and Leavening:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Cooking Fat:
- 23 tablespoons (340 milliliters) vegetable oil or bacon grease (for frying)
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, combining finely ground cornmeal, salt, optional granulated sweetener, and leavening agent until evenly incorporated.
- Pour steaming liquid gradually into the dry mixture, whisking thoroughly to create a uniform, dense batter with a spreadable texture. Adjust liquid quantity if needed for optimal consistency.
- Warm a heavy-bottomed skillet over moderate heat, coating the surface with a thin layer of rendered pork fat or neutral vegetable oil until it shimmers and bubbles slightly.
- Carefully ladle dollops of batter into the heated skillet, using the back of a utensil to gently flatten each portion into a rustic, circular shape.
- Allow hoecakes to sizzle and develop a golden, crisp exterior for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, watching for rich caramel-brown edges and a firm, set surface.
- Transfer the freshly fried cornmeal cakes to an absorbent paper-lined surface to eliminate excess cooking fat.
- Plate immediately while piping hot, accompanied by creamy butter, drizzled honey, or served alongside hearty Southern classics like collard greens or robust stews.
Notes
- Use a cast-iron skillet for authentic, crispy edges that bring out traditional Southern flavor profiles.
- Experiment with cornmeal varieties like stone-ground or yellow cornmeal to create subtle texture differences in your hoecakes.
- Allow batter to rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking to help cornmeal absorb liquid and develop deeper corn flavor.
- Maintain consistent medium heat to prevent burning while ensuring a golden-brown crispy exterior and soft interior.
- Confirm your cornmeal is certified gluten-free if you have celiac concerns or wheat sensitivities.
- Elevate flavor by adding finely chopped green onions or jalapeños directly into the batter for a spicy, herbal twist.
- Store leftover hoecakes in an airtight container and reheat in a skillet to maintain their crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern (American)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 306
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg