from Gourmet, February 2009
makes about 3 dozen
about 6 cups vegetable oil
2 cups stone-ground cornmeal
1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup well-shaken buttermilk
1/2 cup minced onion
1 large egg
Preheat oven to 200F. Heat 1 1/2 inches oil in a 4-qt wide heavy pot over medium heat until it registers 375F on a deep-fat thermometer.
Meanwhile, whisk together cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk together buttermilk, onion, and egg in a small bowl. Slowly pour buttermilk mixture into dry ingredients, stirring until just incorporated.
Fry rounded tablespoons of batter (about 10 per batch), turning occasionally, until golden, 2-3 minutes per batch. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. return oil to 375F between batches. Keep hush puppies warm in oven.