Camp food always needs some new ideas. Fish Frys can be improved with something other than Mac n Cheese or the same old salads. Southerners have figured out a great tasty treat that goes with just about any Big Sky meal.
Legend has it that Hush Puppies originated on fishing trips, outdoor fish Frys, and campouts where the cooks didn’t want to waste the already hot fry oil. They would mix up some cornmeal treats to quiet the barking hound dogs that were begging for a snack. Why they had their hunting dogs along on a fishing trip is beyond me.
Hush Puppies are a simple Finger Food, perfect for a shore lunch or tailgate fish fry. They are served best with a dipping sauce.
Here’s what you need.
2 cups of corn meal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 beaten egg
¾ tsp of salt
¼ tsp of Baking Soda
2 cups of buttermilk or regular milk. Powdered milk will work.
4 cups of canola oil for frying.
Combine the dry ingredients ahead of time. Now add the rest. I do enjoy Old Bay Seasoning as my spice. I also add a tbsp of sugar to my mix. Stir the mixture so there are no lumps.
The oil needs to be 350 degrees. Don’t overheat the oil. Use a thermometer to manage the heat.
To make the Puppies, use 2 spoons to form a ball and drop it into the oil. A small ice cream scoop will also do the trick. You want the nuggets to be about 1-2 inches in size, so they will quickly cook through the middle. Once the frying nuggets float to the surface of the hot oil, allow 5 minutes for them to become golden brown. Allow them to cool and drain on a grate or paper towels.
Check the temperature before loading the next batch. I usually make my Hush Puppies before I fry my fish. You can strain the used/cooled oil for later.
Place the Hush Puppies on a serving platter. Toothpicks can be helpful. Now add the nuggets into a dipping sauce. You can use what you have or make a sauce. Ketchup, tartar sauce, BBQ sauce, honey, or … will work.
Here’s Montana Grant’s simple dipping sauce
1/2 cup of mayo/ 1/3 cup of sour cream
1 tbsp of Old Bay seasoning and a whole grain mustard. Salt and pepper to taste.
1 tbsp of ketchup
1 tsp of Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp of cider vinegar or white wine
¼ cup of sliced spring onions
A dash of hot sauce.
Blend the ingredients in a small bowl and cool in a cooler or fridge for 20 minutes or so.
Once you add these Hush Puppies to your fish fry spread, they will become a popular request.
Pet your puppies!
Montana Grant
