Famous Hoecakes Recipe
Hoecakes are a type of traditional Southern cornbread, and they got their name from being cooked on a hoe over an open fire. Today, they are made on a griddle or skillet, and they’re deliciously crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for making them:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal (yellow or white)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk if you don’t have buttermilk)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or vegetable oil)
- Additional butter or oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Stir until well mixed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and melted butter (or oil).
- Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are okay.
- Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Cook the Hoecakes: For each hoecake, pour a spoonful of batter onto the hot skillet. Use the back of a spoon to spread it into a small circle (about 3–4 inches wide).
- Fry Until Golden: Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the edges start to look golden and the top begins to set. Flip the hoecake and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side, until golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the hoecakes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Serve warm with butter, syrup, or honey.
Tips:
- For an extra crispy texture, you can add a tablespoon of oil to the batter.
- Hoecakes are versatile! They can be served as a side dish, topped with savory ingredients like fried chicken or gravy, or sweetened with syrup and butter for breakfast.
Enjoy your Southern-style hoecakes!
