Description
Hot Water Cornbread is a quick and easy Southern-inspired recipe featuring a simple batter of cornmeal, salt, and sugar mixed with boiling water, then fried until golden and crispy. Perfect as a comforting side or snack, this cornbread is delightfully crunchy on the outside and tender inside, with minimal ingredients and an effortless cooking process.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal mix
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup boiling water
For Frying
- Oil for frying (extra virgin olive oil recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal mix, salt, and sugar thoroughly to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Add Boiling Water: Carefully pour in the boiling water and stir with a spoon until the mixture forms a thick but pourable batter, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Heat the Oil: Place a skillet on medium to high heat and add enough oil to just coat the bottom of the pan, allowing it to become hot enough for frying.
- Cook the Cornbread: Using a regular dinner spoon, scoop two spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil for each piece.
- Shape the Cornbread: Flatten each spoonful slightly using the back of the spoon to form small round discs in the skillet.
- Fry Until Golden: Cook the rounds for about 1 minute on each side, or until the edges look set and both sides are golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully when ready.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked cornbread from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy the hot water cornbread immediately for the best crispness and flavor.
Notes
- Use boiling water to ensure the batter cooks quickly and achieves the right texture.
- Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor, but you can use other frying oils like vegetable or canola oil.
- Maintain medium to high heat for a crispy exterior without burning.
- Serve with honey, butter, or alongside savory dishes like beans or greens.
- For a sweeter variation, increase sugar slightly or add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter.
