Description
Squash Puppies are a delightful Southern appetizer featuring crispy fried balls made with grated yellow squash, cornmeal, and a blend of seasonings. These golden bites are perfect for serving as a savory snack or party treat, offering a crunchy exterior with a moist, tender interior. Easily prepared with simple ingredients, they bring a flavorful twist to traditional hush puppies by incorporating nutritious squash.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Vegetables
- 1 cup yellow squash, grated and drained
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or vegetable oil
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep)
Instructions
- Prepare the Squash: Grate the yellow squash and place it in a clean towel or paper towels. Squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible to prevent the batter from becoming soggy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and sugar until well combined. Stir in the finely chopped onion and the drained grated squash.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, buttermilk, and melted butter or vegetable oil until smooth and cohesive.
- Form the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the puppies light and fluffy.
- Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C), suitable for frying.
- Fry the Squash Puppies: Using a spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the puppies are golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried puppies with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm, optionally with honey butter or a dipping sauce.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the squash well to avoid soggy batter.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño to the batter.
- These squash puppies pair perfectly with honey butter or your favorite dipping sauces.
