Classic Southern Cornmeal Hoe Cakes
Transport yourself to a summer in the South with these delightful Southern hoe cakes, a traditional recipe passed down through generations. Simple yet satisfying, these cornmeal cakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfectly paired with a sprinkle of salt or drizzled with cane syrup or maple syrup, these hoe cakes make for an excellent snack, hearty breakfast, or side dish. Relish the nostalgic flavors of Alabama and enjoy a taste of Southern hospitality with every bite.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
white cornmeal
1 cup (Dry)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
boiling water
3/4 cup (Boiled)
butter or oil
2 teaspoons (Melted)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the white cornmeal and salt.
2
Carefully pour in the boiling water, stirring continuously with a spoon to combine until the mixture forms a stiff batter or dough.
3
Allow the mixture to rest for a few minutes as it cools slightly and thickens.
4
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add the melted butter or oil, ensuring the surface is well coated.
5
Using a large spoon, drop rounded portions of the batter into the hot pan, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6
With the back of the spoon, gently flatten each portion into 1/4 inch thick circles.
7
Cook for 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Turn carefully to avoid breaking.
8
Once cooked, remove the hoe cakes from the pan and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
9
Serve warm, with a dash of salt or a drizzle of cane or maple syrup, and enjoy the taste of the South!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Classic Southern Cornmeal Hoe Cakes?
They are traditional cornmeal cakes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, popular in the American South.
What ingredients are required for this recipe?
You will need white cornmeal, salt, boiling water, and butter or oil for frying.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What is the primary base of the batter?
The batter is made from 1 cup of white cornmeal and 3/4 cup of boiling water.
How do I prepare the batter?
Combine cornmeal and salt, then stir in boiling water until a stiff batter or dough forms.
Should I let the batter rest before cooking?
Yes, allow the mixture to rest for a few minutes to cool slightly and thicken.
How do I cook hoe cakes?
Drop rounded portions of batter onto a hot, greased skillet and flatten them into 1/4 inch thick circles.
What temperature should I use for frying?
Use a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
How long do they cook on each side?
Cook for about 2 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
What is the best way to flip hoe cakes?
Turn them carefully using a spatula to avoid breaking the cakes.
How do I remove excess oil after frying?
Place the cooked hoe cakes on a paper towel after removing them from the pan.
What toppings are recommended for hoe cakes?
They are delicious with a dash of salt or a drizzle of cane syrup or maple syrup.
Can these be served for breakfast?
Yes, they are traditionally served as a breakfast dish, snack, or side dish.
What region is this recipe associated with?
This recipe captures the nostalgic flavors of Alabama and the Southern United States.
What specific type of cornmeal is used?
This specific recipe calls for white cornmeal.
Can I use butter for frying the cakes?
Yes, you can use either melted butter or oil to coat the skillet.
How thick should the hoe cakes be when flattened?
Flatten the batter portions into circles that are about 1/4 inch thick.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Is the batter supposed to be liquid?
No, the mixture should form a stiff batter or dough.
Are hoe cakes considered comfort food?
Yes, they are classified as a classic Southern comfort food.
How much boiling water is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of boiling water for 1 cup of cornmeal.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is labeled as an easy recipe with simple steps and only 4 main ingredients.
Should the skillet be well-coated with oil?
Yes, ensure the surface is well-coated with butter or oil before adding the batter.
How far apart should I space the batter in the pan?
Space the portions about 2 inches apart to allow for flattening and easy flipping.
What is the resulting texture of these cakes?
They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Can I serve these as a side dish for dinner?
Yes, they make an excellent side dish for many Southern meals.
Is this a traditional family recipe?
Yes, it is a traditional recipe passed down through generations.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 4 main ingredients: white cornmeal, salt, boiling water, and butter or oil.
Are these hoe cakes fried or baked?
These hoe cakes are pan-fried in a skillet or on a griddle.
Can I use cane syrup with these?
Yes, cane syrup or maple syrup are popular traditional accompaniments for these cakes.