Hush puppies, those crispy, golden-brown cornbread bites, are a beloved Southern classic. But did you know you can enjoy this treat while staying true to your vegan lifestyle? This vegan hush puppies recipe will guide you through creating delectable and cruelty-free hush puppies that are sure to impress everyone, even the biggest skeptics!
What Makes These Hush Puppies Vegan?
Traditional hush puppies often include eggs and dairy milk. This recipe swaps those out for simple plant-based alternatives that don’t compromise on taste or texture.
Bowl of vegan hush puppy ingredients
- Flaxseed “Egg”: One tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons of water creates a gel-like consistency that mimics the binding properties of eggs.
- Non-Dairy Milk: Unsweetened almond milk or soy milk work wonderfully in this recipe, providing the necessary moisture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures:
- 1 cup fine yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any non-dairy milk alternative)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 1-2 tablespoons finely diced jalapeno peppers (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Let’s Get Cooking: Vegan Hush Puppies, Step-by-Step
This recipe is easy to follow, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. Let’s break down the process:
- Prepare the Flaxseed “Egg”: In a small bowl, whisk together the ground flaxseed meal and water. Set aside for 5-10 minutes to thicken. This mixture will act as your egg replacement.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using).
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the non-dairy milk, apple cider vinegar, flaxseed “egg”, diced onion, and jalapeno peppers (if using).
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are okay. The batter should be thick but pourable.
Thick vegan hush puppy batter in a bowl - Heat the Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Fry the Hush Puppies: Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter (about 1-2 tablespoons per hush puppy) into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Frying vegan hush puppies in hot oil - Drain and Serve: Remove the hush puppies from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on a wire rack or paper towels. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Thick vegan hush puppy batter in a bowl
Frying vegan hush puppies in hot oilTips for the Best Vegan Hush Puppies
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, dense hush puppies. Mix until just combined.
- Adjust Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeno peppers to your liking. For milder hush puppies, omit them altogether.
- Check Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for crispy hush puppies. Use a thermometer to ensure it stays at 350°F (175°C).
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Overcrowding the pot will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy hush puppies. Fry in batches if needed.
Platter of golden brown vegan hush puppies
Serving and Enjoying Your Vegan Hush Puppies
These vegan hush puppies are incredibly versatile. They can be served as:
- A Side Dish: Pair them with your favorite vegan BBQ dishes, like pulled jackfruit sandwiches or smoky baked beans.
- An Appetizer: Serve them with a side of vegan ranch dressing, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- A Snack: Enjoy them on their own as a delicious and satisfying snack.
FAQs: Your Vegan Hush Puppy Questions Answered
1. Can I make these hush puppies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
2. How do I store leftover hush puppies?
For best results, enjoy them immediately. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
3. Can I bake these hush puppies instead of frying them?
While frying yields the crispiest texture, you can bake them for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. What other vegetables can I add to the batter?
Feel free to get creative! Finely diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or even shredded zucchini would be delicious additions.
5. What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar helps activate the baking powder, but you can use an equal amount of lemon juice as a substitute.
Now you have a foolproof vegan hush puppies recipe that’s ready to impress! Enjoy the delightful flavors and crispy textures of this Southern comfort food without compromising your vegan values.
