Ingredients

  • 4 qt. vegetable oil, divided
  • 2 1/4 cups (about 13 oz.) cornmeal
  • 3/4 cup (about 3 1/4 oz.) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 cup whole buttermilk
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 (4-oz.) jar diced pimientos, drained well
  • 3 ounces smoked mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 3/4 cup)
  • 2 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 ounces finely chopped prosciutto
  • 1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions (about 2 scallions)
  • 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
  • 1 cup finely chopped pickled okra
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons coarse-grain mustard
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Method

  • Prepare the hush puppies: Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium-high to 350°F.
  • Stir together cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Stir together buttermilk, water, and eggs in a large bowl. Add cornmeal mixture to buttermilk mixture, and stir until just smooth. Fold in pimientos, both cheeses, prosciutto, and scallions.
  • Carefully drop half of batter by 1/4-cupfuls into hot oil. Cook until golden brown, rotating occasionally, about 2 to 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining batter.
  • Prepare the tartar sauce: Stir together all tartar sauce ingredients; serve with hush puppies.