Hot Water Cornbread

Name: Hot Water Cornbread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 2 cups white or yellow cornmeal (fine or medium grind); 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp granulated sugar (optional); 1.5 cups boiling water; 1/2 cup vegetable oil or lard (for frying)

A timeless Southern staple: cornmeal patties mixed with boiling water and pan-fried until crisp and golden on the outside with a tender, steamy interior. Made with minimal ingredients and ready in minutes.

25 minEasyServes 4420 cal/serving

Southern AmericanSideStovetopVegetarianGluten-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreeLow-SodiumAlcohol-FreeNightshade-Free

Ingredients

2 cups white or yellow cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp granulated sugar (optional)
1.5 cups boiling water
1/2 cup vegetable oil or lard (for frying)

Instructions

1

In a medium bowl, stir together 2 cups white or yellow cornmeal (fine or medium grind), 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp granulated sugar (optional).
2

Pour 1.5 cups boiling water into the cornmeal mixture and stir quickly until a thick, cohesive dough forms. Let stand 2 minutes so the meal absorbs the water.
3

Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil or lard (for frying) in a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. You want about 1/4 inch of oil in the pan.
4

With wet hands, scoop and shape the dough into oval or round patties about 1/2 inch thick and 3 inches wide.
5

Working in batches to avoid crowding, carefully lower the patties into the hot oil. Fry 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crisp. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
6

Drain on a paper-towel-lined plate. Serve hot with butter.

Questions

How long does Hot Water Cornbread keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Hot Water Cornbread?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

Smothered Pork Chops main
Loaded Baked Sweet Potato main
Roast Turkey Breast with Root Vegetables main

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