Hot Water Cornbread
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 2 cups Yellow or white cornmeal (fine or medium ground) 🌽
- 1 tsp Salt 🧂
- 1 tbsp Sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness) 🍬
- 1 ½ to 2 cups Boiling water (must be boiling!) 💧🔥
- 2 tbsp Butter or lard (melted into the batter) 🧈
- Vegetable oil for frying 🫒🔥
👩🍳 Instructions
- Boil the Water: Start by bringing your water to a rolling boil. This is the most important step to “cook” the cornmeal slightly! 💧💨
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a heat-proof bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, salt, and sugar. 🥣🌪️
- The “Hot” Mix: Slowly pour the boiling water and melted butter into the cornmeal. Stir constantly until a thick, moist dough forms. It should be firm enough to hold its shape but not crumbly. 🥄🔥🤝
- Rest: Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the cornmeal to fully hydrate and makes it easier to handle. ⏲️💨
- Shape the Patties: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and form it into a small, flat oval or round patty. ✋🥯✨
- The Sizzle: Heat about ½ inch of oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron is king!) over medium-high heat. Carefully drop the patties into the hot oil. 🍳🔥
- Golden Perfection: Fry for 3–4 minutes per side until they are deep golden brown and have a beautiful crispy crust as seen in the photo! ⏲️🥨🤤
- Drain & Serve: Place on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve immediately while they are hot and crunchy! 🍽️👑😋✨
🔥 Pro Tips:
- The “Water” Secret: The water must be boiling. If it’s just warm, the cornmeal won’t soften correctly, and the patties will fall apart in the oil! 💧🛡️💎
- The “Hand” Hack: Keep a small bowl of room-temperature water nearby to dip your fingers in while shaping the patties to keep the dough from sticking to your skin. 👐💧🎯
