Hot water cornbread is a delicious Southern delicacy that is quick and easy to make. Made with just a few simple ingredients, hot water cornbread is a perfect accompaniment to any meal. Whether you are hosting a barbecue, a family gathering or just want a tasty treat, learning how to cook hot water cornbread on the stove is a skill worth having.
To make hot water cornbread on the stove, you will need cornmeal, boiling water, salt, and vegetable oil. The cornmeal is the main ingredient and gives the cornbread its delicious texture and flavor. The boiling water helps bind the cornmeal together, and the salt adds a savory taste. The vegetable oil is used to fry the cornbread, creating a crispy outer crust.
Start by mixing the cornmeal, salt, and boiling water in a large bowl. Stir until the mixture forms a thick batter. Let the batter sit for a few minutes to allow the cornmeal to absorb the water. Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when the batter is added.
Using a spoon or your hands, shape the batter into small patties. Carefully place the patties into the hot oil and pan-fry them until they are golden brown on both sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the cornbread patties from the skillet and let them drain on a paper towel. Serve hot and enjoy!
What is hot water cornbread?
Hot water cornbread is a traditional Southern dish made from a simple mixture of cornmeal, hot water, and seasonings. It is typically cooked on a stovetop, resulting in a crispy and golden brown exterior with a soft and moist interior. This type of cornbread is different from the more common oven-baked version, as it is made with hot water, which helps to create a unique texture and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, salt, and sugar (if using).
- Add the boiling water to the dry ingredients and stir well to combine. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.
- Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow the cornmeal to absorb the water.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Take about 1/4 cup of the cornbread mixture and shape it into a patty or disc with your hands.
- Place the patty into the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the cornbread from the oil and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Repeat the process with the remaining cornbread mixture, adding more oil as needed.
Hot water cornbread is best served hot and is often enjoyed as a side dish with a variety of meals, such as fried chicken, collard greens, or beans. It can also be served on its own as a snack or appetizer. The crispy exterior and soft interior make it a delicious and versatile addition to any meal.
Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat |
---|---|---|---|
180 | 3g | 30g | 6g |
The history of hot water cornbread
The origins of hot water cornbread can be traced back to the Native American tribes that inhabited the southern regions of the United States. Corn, which was a staple food for these tribes, played a significant role in their cuisine.
Hot water cornbread, also known as “hoe cakes”, was a simple and practical way of preparing cornbread. It was traditionally cooked in a skillet over an open fire.
The process of making hot water cornbread involves combining cornmeal, boiling water, and a few additional ingredients such as salt and sometimes sugar or buttermilk. The mixture is then shaped into patties or small cakes and fried until golden brown.
Hot water cornbread became popular among African Americans during the era of slavery, as it was a filling and inexpensive food option. It quickly spread throughout the southern states and became a beloved southern comfort food.
Today, hot water cornbread continues to be a cherished part of southern cuisine. It is often served as a side dish or as a main course paired with fried chicken or barbecue. The crispy exterior and fluffy interior make it a delightful treat that is enjoyed by many.
Ingredients
To make hot water cornbread on the stove, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of boiling water
- 1/4 cup of buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Optional Ingredients:
You can also add any of the following ingredients to customize your hot water cornbread:
- 1/4 cup of chopped onions
- 1/4 cup of chopped bell peppers
- 1/4 cup of shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup of chopped jalapenos
Main ingredients for hot water cornbread
Hot water cornbread is a delicious Southern dish that requires a few key ingredients to achieve its unique flavor and texture. These main ingredients include:
Cornmeal
The main ingredient in hot water cornbread is cornmeal. This finely ground flour made from dried corn is an essential component that gives the cornbread its distinctive taste and texture. Make sure to use a good quality cornmeal for the best results.
Hot water
As the name suggests, hot water plays a crucial role in this recipe. The hot water is added to the cornmeal to create a thick batter that can be easily formed into patties. Be sure to use water that is hot enough to activate the cornmeal but not boiling.
Salt
Salt is another key ingredient in hot water cornbread. It helps to enhance the flavors and bring out the natural sweetness of the cornmeal. Use salt to taste, depending on your preference.
These three main ingredients are the foundation for making hot water cornbread. Once you have these essentials, you can easily add optional ingredients such as sugar, butter, or buttermilk to customize the flavor of your cornbread.
Optional ingredients for flavor variations
If you want to add some extra flavor to your hot water cornbread, here are a few optional ingredients you can try:
1. Cheese:
Grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese can be added to the cornmeal mixture for a cheesy twist. Simply stir in about 1/2 cup of cheese before adding the water, and proceed with the recipe as directed.
2. Jalapenos:
If you like a little heat, finely chop a few jalapeno peppers and add them to the cornmeal mixture. You can remove the seeds if you prefer a milder flavor. Aim for about 1-2 jalapenos, depending on your preference.
3. Herbs and spices:
Feel free to experiment with adding various herbs and spices to your hot water cornbread batter. Some popular options include chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, garlic powder, or chili powder. Start with about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs or 1-2 tablespoons of fresh herbs, and adjust according to your taste.
4. Corn kernels:
If you want an even more corn-centric cornbread, you can mix in some fresh or frozen corn kernels to the batter. This adds a little bit of sweetness and a nice texture. Use about 1/2 cup of corn kernels.
Remember that these ingredients are optional, and you can mix and match them to create your own unique flavor combinations. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new things!
Preparation
To prepare hot water cornbread on the stove, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of boiling water
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Optional: sugar or honey for sweetness
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal and salt. If you prefer sweeter cornbread, you can add a tablespoon of sugar or honey to the mixture.
2. Gradually pour in the boiling water while stirring the mixture. Continue stirring until the mixture forms a thick batter. If the batter is too dry, you can add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. The oil should be about 1/4 inch deep.
4. Scoop about 1/4 cup of the cornbread batter and carefully drop it into the hot oil. Flatten the batter gently with the back of a spoon to form a round shape. You can fry multiple cornbread patties at a time, but make sure they have enough space to cook evenly.
5. Cook the cornbread patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip them using a spatula and fry the other side.
6. Once cooked, transfer the hot water cornbread to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Serve the hot water cornbread warm. It pairs well with dishes like chili, greens, or soups.
Enjoy your homemade hot water cornbread!
Step-by-step instructions for cooking hot water cornbread on stove
Hot water cornbread is a delicious Southern dish that is quick and easy to make on the stove. Follow these simple steps to make this classic cornbread recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the boiling water, buttermilk, and beaten egg.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until well combined. The batter should be thick, but still pourable.
- In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, use a spoon or ladle to drop small amounts of batter into the skillet. Flatten each mound slightly with the back of the spoon. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet.
- Cook the cornbread for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Use a spatula to flip the cornbread cakes over.
- Remove the cooked cornbread from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Repeat steps 5-7 with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
- Serve the hot water cornbread warm and enjoy!
Note: Hot water cornbread is best served immediately while still warm. It can be enjoyed on its own or served as a side dish with a variety of meals. Enjoy this Southern classic!
FAQ
What is hot water cornbread?
Hot water cornbread is a type of Southern cornbread that is made with cornmeal, hot water, and a few other ingredients. It is typically cooked on the stovetop.
Can I cook hot water cornbread on the stove?
Yes, hot water cornbread is traditionally cooked on the stove. It is typically fried in a skillet with a small amount of oil until crispy and golden brown.
How do I make hot water cornbread?
To make hot water cornbread, you will need cornmeal, salt, sugar, boiling water, and vegetable oil. Mix the cornmeal, salt, and sugar together in a bowl. Gradually stir in the boiling water until a thick batter forms. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat, then drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Flip the cornbread cakes once they are golden brown on one side, and cook until they are golden brown on the other side. Serve hot.
What can I serve with hot water cornbread?
Hot water cornbread pairs well with a variety of dishes. It is often served as a side dish with fried chicken, collard greens, black-eyed peas, or other Southern-style dishes. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack or as part of a meal.