History and Origin
The corn dog is a very popular food in the United States, known for being a classic at state fairs and outdoor events. Its origin dates back to the 1920s or 1930s, although there are different versions about who was the first to create this combination of breaded and fried sausage. The traditional recipe consists of a sausage inserted on a stick, breaded with a cornmeal-based batter, and then fried until a crispy texture is achieved.
In Latin America, this dish often goes by different names depending on the country. For example, in Mexico it is commonly known as "pambazo" or "breaded sausage," although the preparation and ingredients may vary. In countries of the Southern Cone, such as Argentina and Chile, it is usually called simply "sausage with batter." However, the essence of the corn dog remains: a sausage covered in a slightly sweet batter and fried for an irresistibly crunchy and tender flavor.
How to Make Minnesota State Fair Corn Dogs
To begin, soak 10 bamboo skewers in water to prevent them from burning when frying. Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it's ready to fry the corn dogs.
In a bowl, combine the yellow cornmeal, salt, honey, and boiling water. Mix these ingredients well to get a uniform and slightly sweet base.
In another bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and butter until fully combined. Then, add this liquid mixture to the previous cornmeal preparation.
Sift the wheat flour and double-acting baking powder, and incorporate them gradually into the mixture until a smooth and homogeneous batter is obtained.
Carefully insert the stick into each hot dog and dip them into the batter, making sure to cover them completely.
Place the coated dogs in the preheated fryer and fry them for about eight to ten minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Finally, drain the corn dogs to remove excess oil and serve them hot to enjoy their unique flavor and texture.