We’ve always been huge fans of hush puppies, those crispy Southern classics that originated in the American South as a simple fisherman’s treat. Our Zucchini Basil Hush Puppies recipe puts a fresh spin on them by incorporating grated zucchini for moisture and basil for a burst of herbal flavor.
This easy twist makes the dish lighter and more vibrant, perfect for backyard barbecues or weeknight dinners. We’re excited to show you how these savory bites can elevate your meals with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For our Zucchini Basil Hush Puppies, we’ve curated a simple yet flavorful list of ingredients that highlight the fresh, vibrant notes of grated zucchini and basil. These components come together to create a lighter, more modern twist on the classic Southern favorite. We’ll order them as they typically appear in preparation, starting with the dry goods and moving to wet ingredients and add-ins.
- 1 ½ cups cornmeal: Use fine or medium grind for the base structure.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Sifted to ensure even blending.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Fresh for optimal rise.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: To react with acidic elements.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Kosher or sea salt for seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground for a subtle kick.
- 2 medium zucchinis: Grated and squeezed to remove excess moisture (yields about 1 ½ cups).
- ¼ cup fresh basil: Finely chopped for aromatic flavor.
- 1 large egg: Beaten to bind the mixture.
- ¾ cup buttermilk: Room temperature to promote even mixing.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Plus more for frying, to add moisture.
- Optional: 1 finely chopped green onion: For extra zest if desired.
This selection ensures our hush puppies are moist, flavorful, and ready to impress at any gathering. Gather these items to follow along seamlessly in the next steps.
Required Tools and Equipment
To prepare our Zucchini Basil Hush Puppies seamlessly after gathering the ingredients, we rely on a few essential tools and equipment that ensure precision and efficiency in the kitchen. These items help us achieve the perfect crispy exterior and moist interior, making the frying process straightforward and safe.
Essential Tools List
We recommend the following key tools for this recipe, organized by their use in the preparation and cooking sequence:
- Grater or Food Processor: For quickly grating the zucchini to release its natural moisture, which keeps our hush puppies tender and flavorful.
- Large Mixing Bowl: To combine dry ingredients like cornmeal and flour with wet ones such as buttermilk and egg, ensuring even blending.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate for measuring out ingredients precisely—use a 1-cup measure for grated zucchini and teaspoon measures for seasonings.
- Whisk or Wooden Spoon: Ideal for mixing the batter thoroughly, incorporating the fresh basil and zucchini without overworking the dough.
- Deep Fryer or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Essential for frying to golden perfection; a deep fryer maintains consistent oil temperature, while a pot works for stovetop use.
- Candy or Deep-Fry Thermometer: To monitor oil temperature at around 350°F (177°C), guaranteeing crispy results without sogginess.
- Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer: For safely removing the hush puppies from hot oil, allowing excess oil to drain efficiently.
- Baking Sheet with Paper Towels: To let the fried hush puppies rest and cool, absorbing any remaining oil for a lighter bite.
By having these tools ready, we streamline the process from prep to plate, enhancing the overall experience of creating our Zucchini Basil Hush Puppies.
Instructions
We love how straightforward these steps make preparing our Zucchini Basil Hush Puppies, turning fresh ingredients into crispy, golden bites bursting with moisture from grated zucchini and aromatic basil.
Prep
First, we prepare our vegetables to ensure everything integrates smoothly into the batter. Begin by grating 2 medium zucchinis using a box grater or food processor, yielding about 2 cups of grated zucchini—press out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel for a lighter texture. Next, finely chop 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, releasing their vibrant, herbaceous aroma that will elevate the flavor profile.
Mix the Batter
We combine the ingredients to create a thick, flavorful batter that promises a crispy exterior and tender interior. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of cornmeal, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper until evenly blended. In a separate bowl, beat 1 large egg with 3/4 cup of buttermilk, then stir in the grated zucchini and chopped basil. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and airy.
Fry the Hush Puppies
Finally, we fry the hush puppies to achieve that irresistible golden-brown crunch with a soft, herb-infused center. Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (177°C), using a thermometer for precision—here’s a quick reference for optimal frying conditions:
| Frying Stage | Oil Temperature (°F) | Estimated Time per Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Heat | 350 | N/A |
| Frying | 350-375 | 3-4 minutes |
| Final Check | Maintain 350 | Until golden |
Once the oil is ready, use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop tablespoon-sized balls of batter into the hot oil, frying in batches of 6-8 to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway with a slotted spoon for even browning, until they float to the top and turn a deep golden hue. Remove them to a paper-lined plate to drain excess oil, ensuring they stay crisp and flavorful for serving.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best features of our Zucchini Basil Hush Puppies is their flexibility for busy schedules—we can prepare key components in advance to streamline cooking without sacrificing that crispy, herb-infused texture. This approach ensures your savory bites remain moist and flavorful, making them perfect for spontaneous gatherings or meal planning.
Preparing Ingredients Ahead
To get a head start, begin by prepping the fresh elements:
- Grate the zucchini: Use a box grater or food processor to shred 2 medium zucchinis (about 2 cups). Place the grated zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and let it drain for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Chop the basil: Finely chop 1/4 cup of fresh basil and transfer it to a small sealed bag or container. Keep it chilled in the fridge for up to 1 day to preserve its vibrant, aromatic notes.
Mixing the Batter in Advance
We recommend assembling the batter up to 4 hours ahead for optimal freshness:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients first—1 cup cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt—as outlined in our ingredients section.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet components: 1 beaten egg, 3/4 cup buttermilk, the prepped grated zucchini, and chopped basil.
- Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and airy.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the batter for up to 4 hours. This step allows the zucchini flavors to meld while maintaining the batter’s consistency.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- After frying, let the hush puppies cool completely on a wire rack. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the frozen hush puppies for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, for a quicker option, use an air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes—restoring that golden-brown exterior we aim for in every batch.
Conclusion
We’ve loved how this Zucchini Basil Hush Puppies recipe brings a fresh twist to a Southern favorite, making it lighter and full of flavor for any occasion. It’s a simple way to elevate your meals with minimal effort.
As we experiment in our kitchen, we’re confident you’ll enjoy the vibrant taste and ease of preparation too. Give it a try and make it your go-to crowd-pleaser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zucchini Basil Hush Puppies?
Zucchini Basil Hush Puppies are a fresh twist on a classic Southern dish, featuring grated zucchini for moisture and chopped basil for vibrant flavor. They’re crispy, savory bites made from a simple batter, perfect for barbecues or quick dinners, offering a lighter, herb-infused alternative to traditional hush puppies.
What ingredients are needed for Zucchini Basil Hush Puppies?
The recipe calls for basic items like cornmeal, flour, grated zucchini, fresh basil, buttermilk, an egg, and seasonings. Start with dry goods such as 1 cup cornmeal and 1/2 cup flour, then mix in wet ingredients like 1 beaten egg, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 2 grated medium zucchinis, and 1/4 cup chopped basil for a moist, flavorful result.
What tools are required to make Zucchini Basil Hush Puppies?
You’ll need a grater or food processor for zucchini, a large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk or wooden spoon, a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, a thermometer for oil temperature, and a slotted spoon for frying. These essentials keep the process efficient and straightforward.
How do I make Zucchini Basil Hush Puppies?
First, grate 2 medium zucchinis and chop 1/4 cup basil. Mix dry ingredients like cornmeal and flour in a bowl, then add wet ingredients including egg, buttermilk, zucchini, and basil—avoid overmixing. Heat oil to 350°F and fry tablespoon-sized batter balls until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side, for crispy results.
Can I prepare Zucchini Basil Hush Puppies in advance?
Yes, prep the zucchini and basil ahead, and mix the batter up to 4 hours in advance for freshness. This makes it ideal for busy schedules, allowing you to fry them fresh when needed, perfect for spontaneous gatherings or meal planning.
How should I store and reheat Zucchini Basil Hush Puppies?
Store cooled hush puppies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or use an air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness without losing flavor.