Southern Fried Cornbread Patties
A cherished family recipe passed down through generations in Louisiana, these Southern Fried Cornbread Patties offer a delightful crispy exterior and a warm, fluffy interior that's simply irresistible. Traditionally enjoyed alongside boiled cabbage, turnip greens, black-eyed peas, and butterbeans, they make the perfect accompaniment to any Southern meal. Despite being easy to prepare, achieving the ideal texture and flavor requires a bit of practice, making this recipe a rewarding experience for any home cook seeking to bring authentic Southern comfort food to their table.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
self-rising cornmeal
1.5 cups (no preparation needed)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
boiling water
2 cups (heated until boiling)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising cornmeal and salt, mixing well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
2
Carefully pour the boiling water over the dry ingredients, stirring continuously to avoid clumps. Mix until fully combined.
3
Allow the mixture to cool slightly until it is manageable but still warm to the touch.
4
Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Take a portion of the mixture and shape it into a ball about the size of a golf ball.
5
Gently flatten each ball with your fingers to form a patty.
6
In a cast iron skillet, heat approximately 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat until hot. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
7
Carefully place the patties into the hot oil, frying them until they develop a golden brown color on one side, about 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown as well.
8
Remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Southern Fried Cornbread Patties?
Southern Fried Cornbread Patties, also known as hoe cakes or lace cakes, are traditional Southern cornmeal discs fried until crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Where did this specific recipe originate?
This is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations in Louisiana.
How many ingredients are required?
This recipe requires only three main ingredients: self-rising cornmeal, salt, and boiling water.
Can I use regular cornmeal instead of self-rising?
Self-rising cornmeal includes leavening agents; if you use regular cornmeal, you will need to add baking powder and a bit of flour to achieve the right texture.
Why must the water be boiling?
Boiling water partially cooks or 'scalds' the cornmeal, which helps the batter hold together and creates the correct consistency for shaping.
What is the best way to shape the patties?
Roll the warm mixture into golf-ball-sized balls and then gently flatten them with your fingers into discs.
How do I prevent the cornmeal mixture from sticking to my hands?
Wetting your hands with water before handling the dough will prevent it from sticking while you shape the patties.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A cast iron skillet is best for frying cornbread patties as it provides even heat distribution and a superior crust.
How much oil should I use for frying?
You should use approximately 1/2 inch of oil in your skillet to ensure the patties are properly fried.
How do I test if the oil is hot enough?
Drop a tiny amount of the batter into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready for frying.
How long do the patties need to fry?
Fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
What color should the patties be when finished?
The patties should be a deep golden brown on both sides.
Are these cornbread patties gluten-free?
Most self-rising cornmeal mixes contain wheat flour, so you would need to check the specific brand or use a certified gluten-free mix to ensure they are gluten-free.
What should I serve with Southern Fried Cornbread Patties?
They are traditionally served with Southern staples like boiled cabbage, turnip greens, black-eyed peas, and butterbeans.
Can I add other ingredients to the batter?
Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding chopped jalapeños, onions, or shredded cheese to the dry mix.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
How should I drain the patties after frying?
Place the hot patties on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
What is the texture of these patties?
They feature a delightful crispy exterior with a warm, soft, and fluffy interior.
Can I make these ahead of time?
While they are best served fresh and hot, you can prepare the mixture and fry them just before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat them?
Reheat them in a toaster oven or back in a dry skillet to restore their crispiness; avoid the microwave as it can make them soggy.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is a simple recipe, though achieving the perfect texture and temperature may require a bit of practice.
What kind of oil is best for frying?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, is ideal.
Can I use milk instead of water?
Traditional hot water cornbread uses water, but some variations use buttermilk for a tangier flavor, though the scalding method requires boiling liquid.
Why did my patties fall apart in the oil?
This usually happens if the water wasn't boiling when added to the meal or if the patties were flipped before a crust had formed.
Can these be made vegan?
Yes, the base recipe is naturally vegan as it only uses cornmeal, salt, and water.
Is sugar needed in this recipe?
Traditional Louisiana-style cornbread patties usually omit sugar, focusing on the savory corn flavor, but you can add a teaspoon if you prefer sweetness.
Can I freeze these patties?
Yes, you can freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag; reheat directly in the oven.
What category of food does this fall into?
These are categorized as Quick Breads.
Why is salt important in this 3-ingredient recipe?
Salt is crucial for enhancing the natural sweetness and earthiness of the cornmeal.