Indulge in the heartwarming comfort of classic country hot water cornbread, a staple dish that has been delighting taste buds for generations. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this rustic cornbread offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will transport you to a cozy farmhouse kitchen. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed on its own, this traditional recipe promises a golden crust, a tender crumb, and a distinctive aroma that will fill your home with nostalgic charm.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
HOT WATER CORNBREAD
Hot Water Cornbread has long been a staple in Black American cooking, and in households throughout in the South. It's made with only a handful of ingredients, fried in fat instead of baked, and is more similar to a hush puppy than a bread. White cornmeal is preferred to yellow in the South, but you can use either as long as it's finely ground. Some just use cornmeal. Others add a little baking powder for added texture. But the magic ingredient is really the boiling water, which cooks and softens the cornmeal so that the frying is just to crisp and color the exterior. This dish is a favorite of my southern in-laws, who love to prepare it for each special occasion and many days in between!
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 20m
Yield about 8 cakes
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Heat about 1 cup of oil in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat until a deep-frying thermometer registers 375 degrees F.
- Add the cornmeal, baking powder, salt and sugar to a medium bowl and stir to combine. Stir in the boiling water. If the dough is still too dry to come together, add more boiling water in 1-tablespoon increments.
- Using a 3/4-ounce cookie scoop, scoop the mixture into the palm of your hand and flatten into a 2-inch patty. Working in batches, fry the patties until lightly golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Transfer the cornbread to a paper towel-lined plate using a fish spatula. Serve immediately.
OLD-FASHIONED HOT WATER CORNBREAD
Steps:
- Gather the ingredients.
- In a heavy iron skillet , melt 1 tablespoon of shortening.
- Place the cornmeal and salt in a bowl.
- Pour boiling water over the cornmeal and salt.
- Add the melted shortening and stir well.
- When the mixture is cool enough to handle, after about 5 minutes, divide it into four portions.
- Shape each portion into a cornbread cake about 3/4-inch thick.
- Heat about 3 tablespoons of vegetable shortening or oil in the skillet over medium heat.
- Place corn cakes in the hot oil and fry until browned, turning to brown both sides every 2 minutes, about 8 to 12 minutes total.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 232 kcal, Carbohydrate 23 g, Cholesterol 2 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 328 mg, Sugar 0 g, Fat 15 g, ServingSize 4 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g
HOT WATER CORNBREAD
This is a very old-fashioned recipe. The cornbread is shaped into little cakes and fried, rather than baked. They are served with maple syrup or honey.
Provided by Karin Christian
Categories Bread Quick Bread Recipes Cornbread Recipes
Time 15m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a medium bowl, combine cornmeal, salt, and sugar. Add boiling water and shortening; stir until shortening melts.
- Pour oil or bacon fat to a depth of 1/2 inch in a large skillet and heat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Shape cornmeal mixture into flattened balls using a heaping tablespoon as a measuring guide. Fry each in hot oil, turning once, until crisp and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Serve at once with maple syrup or honey.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 95.2 calories, Carbohydrate 16.3 g, Fat 2.9 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 395.6 mg, Sugar 0.8 g
CREOLE HOT WATER CORNBREAD
A very simple recipe. These crispy little patties are fried and served warm, drizzled with honey, maple syrup or honey butter.
Provided by Walita J Powell
Categories Bread Quick Bread Recipes Cornbread Recipes
Time 22m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Combine the cornmeal, Creole seasoning, onion, and sugar in a medium bowl. Pour in boiling water and shortening; stir until the shortening melts.
- Melt lard or bacon fat to a depth of 1/2 inch in a large skillet; bring to a temperature of 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) over medium-high heat. Shape heaping tablespoons of the dough into flattened balls (thickness is a personal preference). Fry in hot oil, turning once, until crisp and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 129 calories, Carbohydrate 15.9 g, Cholesterol 4.1 mg, Fat 6.5 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 1.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 31 mg, Sugar 1 g
Tips:
- Use Fresh Cornmeal: Fresh cornmeal is essential for achieving the best flavor and texture in your cornbread. Look for stone-ground cornmeal, as it has a more robust flavor than finely-ground cornmeal.
- Properly Measure Ingredients: Accurately measuring your ingredients is crucial for achieving the right consistency in your cornbread. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for ingredients like flour and cornmeal.
- Use Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a slight tanginess and richness to cornbread. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Don't Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough, dense cornbread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Lumps are okay.
- Preheat Your Pan: Preheat your baking pan before adding the batter. This helps to create a crispy crust and evenly cooked cornbread.
- Bake at a High Temperature: Cornbread should be baked at a high temperature, typically between 400°F and 450°F. This helps to create a golden brown crust and fluffy interior.
- Let the Cornbread Cool Slightly Before Serving: Allow the cornbread to cool slightly before slicing and serving. This helps to prevent it from crumbling.
Conclusion:
Country hot water cornbread is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it's a perfect recipe for beginner cooks and experienced bakers alike. The tips and techniques provided in this article will help you create a perfect batch of cornbread every time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the delightful flavors of this classic Southern dish.
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