A staple of a Southern fish fry, these orbs of fried cornmeal batter hide a surprise inside: a cube of mozzarella cheese, which turns molten when the hush puppies are fried. Minced jalapeño chilies give the hush puppies a gentle heat. If you like things on the milder side, they can be omitted.
MOZZARELLA-STUFFED HUSH PUPPIES
Makes approximately 1 dozen
- 2 cups fine cornmeal (yellow or white)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp minced jalapeño chile
- 1.5 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 doz - 1/2-inch cubes mozzarella
- Vegetable oil, for frying
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, baking powder, jalapeños, salt and pepper. Stir in the milk and eggs, and mix until a thick batter forms (the mixture will resemble wet sand). Scoop up a small amount of batter with your hand and form into a ball. Push a cube of mozzarella into the center and form the batter around it, enclosing the cheese completely. Repeat with the remaining batter and cheese until all of the hush puppies have been formed.
Heat a 2-inch depth of oil in a high-sided heavy pan
until it registers 365°F on a deep-frying thermometer
or a deep fryer
.
until it registers 365°F on a deep-frying thermometer or a deep fryer.
Add the hush puppies in batches, 3 to 4 at a time, and cook, turning frequently with tongs or spider strainer wire basket
, until evenly golden brown, for approximately 4 minutes.
, until evenly golden brown, for approximately 4 minutes.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, and let drain. Repeat with the remaining hush puppies, letting the oil temperature recover between each batch. Season with salt and serve warm.
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