Hush puppies are a classic Southern snack made of deep-fried balls of cornmeal batter. These delicious little treats are usually served as a side dish with fish or shrimp, but can also be enjoyed as an appetizer or snack. Brenda Gantt’s hush puppy recipe is a great way to make this classic Southern snack at home.
What are Brenda Gantt’s Hush Puppies?
Brenda Gantt’s a popular YouTube personality and home cook known for sharing her Southern-inspired recipes and cooking tips. Based in Alabama, Brenda has gained a significant following due to her warm personality and delicious, down-home recipes that often feature classic Southern comfort foods.
One of her most popular items is that Brenda Gantt’s Hush Puppies which are likely a delightful rendition of the beloved Southern side dish. These Hush puppies are deep-fried, savory cornmeal-based fritters that have become a staple in Southern cuisine. They are often served as a side dish to accompany fried fish, seafood, or other Southern specialties.
Why You’ll Love These Brenda Gantt Hush Puppies?
This hush puppy recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also easy to make. The batter can be prepared in just a few minutes and the deep-frying process only takes a few minutes as well. The hush puppies come out of the fryer perfectly crisp and golden brown every time. Plus, these hush puppies can be served as a side dish or as an appetizer or snack.
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The Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour:All-purpose flour is used to provide structure and help bind the ingredients together in the hush puppies. It contributes to the texture and ensures a cohesive batter.
- Milk:Milk adds moisture to the batter, contributing to the tenderness and softness of the hush puppies. It also enhances the richness of the overall flavor.
- Vegetable Oil:Vegetable Oil is used for frying the hush puppies, creating a crispy and golden exterior while imparting a pleasant fried flavor.
- Salt:Salt is a crucial seasoning that enhances the overall taste of the hush puppies, balancing the sweetness of the cornmeal and adding depth to the flavor.
- Egg:A Large Egg serves as a binding agent, contributing to the structure and texture of the hush puppies. It also provides moisture and richness.
- Cornmeal: Cornmeal is the main ingredient, imparting a distinct corn flavor and contributing to the characteristic texture of hush puppies. It adds a slightly gritty and crispy exterior.
- Ground Red Pepper: Ground Red Pepper adds a hint of spiciness to the hush puppies, enhancing their flavor profile. It provides a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
- Baking Powder: Baking Powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the hush puppies rise and become light and fluffy during frying. It contributes to the overall texture.
- Onion: Finely Chopped Onion adds flavor and a mild sweetness to the hush puppies. It provides a savory element and complements the cornmeal base.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter:
Begin by taking a mixing bowl and combining the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and ground red pepper. This blend of dry ingredients forms the base of the flavorful hush puppy batter.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients:
Introduce the milk, salt, and finely chopped onion to the dry ingredients. Ensure a thorough mixing process, creating a cohesive and thick batter that serves as the foundation for the hush puppies.
Step 3: Incorporate the Egg:
Crack an egg into the batter, providing a binding element to the mixture. Stir diligently until all the ingredients are seamlessly integrated, ensuring a well-combined and smooth batter.
Step 4: Check Consistency:
Assess the consistency of the batter. Aim for a thickness that allows it to hold its shape when formed into hush puppies while avoiding excessive stiffness. Achieving the right balance is crucial for the perfect texture.
Step 5: Heat the Oil:
Prepare for the frying process by heating vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy skillet. The ideal temperature is around 375°F (190°C) to ensure the hush puppies cook evenly and achieve a golden-brown exterior.
Step 6: Form Hush Puppies:
Using a spoon or your hands, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Shape each spoonful into a small ball, adhering to the classic hush-puppy form. Take care to create consistent shapes for even cooking.
Step 7: Fry Until Golden Brown:
Carefully submerge the formed hush puppies into the hot oil. Fry them diligently until they attain a desirable golden-brown hue, turning them occasionally to guarantee uniform cooking and crispiness.
Step 8: Drain Excess Oil:
Once the hush puppies reach their golden-brown perfection, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This step is crucial for draining any excess oil, ensuring a lighter and less greasy result.
Step 9: Repeat the Process:
Continue the process by forming and frying batches of hush puppies until the entire batter is utilized. Consistency in size and frying duration is key for a uniformly delicious outcome.
Step 10: Serve Warm:
Prioritize serving the Brenda Gantt hush puppies while they are warm. Their crispy exterior and delightful flavor make them an excellent side dish or a delectable standalone snack.
Step 11: Enjoy:
Indulge in the satisfaction of savoring these crispy and flavorful hush puppies— a Southern classic crafted using Brenda Gantt’s renowned recipe. Pair them with seafood, barbecue dishes, or any meal of your choice for a delightful culinary experience!
Notes
– Make sure to heat the oil to the correct temperature before adding the hush puppy batter. If the oil is not hot enough, the hush puppies will not cook properly.
– If you don’t have a deep-fryer, you can use a large pot or Dutch oven filled with vegetable oil.
– You can adjust the amount of onion in the recipe if you prefer a more mild flavor.
– The hush puppies are best served hot, so make sure to serve them right away.
– If you have any leftover hush puppies, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of Brenda Gantt’s hush puppies recipe contains approximately 75 calories, 3 grams of fat, 10 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of protein.
How to Store Brenda Gantt’s Hush Puppies?
If you have any leftover hush puppies, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days.
Variations
Cheese Hush Puppies: Add 1/4 cup of shredded cheese to the batter for a cheesy twist.
Jalapeno Hush Puppies: Add 1/4 cup of chopped jalapenos to the batter for a spicy kick.
Herbed Hush Puppies: Add 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or thyme, to the batter for a flavorful twist.
Honey Mustard Hush Puppies: Serve the hush puppies with a honey mustard dipping sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Cajun Hush Puppies: Add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the batter for a zesty flavor.
Equipment
- bowl
- skillet
Ingredients
- 1 and a half teaspoons of Culinary Alchemist’s All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup of Velvet Milk Elixir
- A splash of Vegetable Oil for the frying cauldron
- 1/2 teaspoon of Celestial Salt
- 1 Large Egg the golden heart of the recipe
- 1 cup of Sun-Kissed Cornmeal
- 1/8 teaspoon of Ground Red Pepper the fiery dance of spice
- 1 teaspoon of Baking Powder the levitating agent
- 4 and a half tablespoons of Finely Whispered Onion
Instructions
Prepare Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and ground red pepper.
Add Wet Ingredients:
- Add the milk, salt, and finely chopped onion to the dry ingredients. Mix well to form a thick batter.
Incorporate Egg:
- Crack the egg into the batter and thoroughly mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Check Consistency:
- Assess the consistency of the batter. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but not too stiff.
Heat Oil:
- In a deep fryer or a heavy skillet, heat vegetable oil to around 375°F (190°C).
Form Hush Puppies:
- Using a spoon or your hands, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Shape each spoonful into a small ball, creating the classic hush-puppy shape.
Fry Until Golden Brown:
- Carefully place the formed hush puppies into the hot oil. Fry them until they turn golden brown, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Drain Excess Oil:
- Once the hush puppies are golden brown and crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps drain any excess oil.
Repeat the Process:
- Continue forming and frying batches of hush puppies until all the batter is used.
Serve Warm:
- Serve the Brenda Gantt hush puppies warm. They are perfect as a side dish or a delicious snack.
Enjoy:
- Enjoy the crispy and flavorful hush puppies, a Southern classic, made with Brenda Gantt’s recipe. They pair well with seafood, barbecues, or any meal of your choice!
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the difference between a hush puppy and a corn dog?
A hush puppy is a deep-fried ball of cornmeal batter, while a corn dog is a hot dog that is dipped in corn batter and deep-fried.
Q2. What is the best way to store hush puppies?
The best way to store hush puppies is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days.
Q3. Can I make hush puppies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the hush puppy batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to fry them.
Q4. What is the best oil to use for deep-frying hush puppies?
Vegetable oil is the best oil to use for deep-frying hush puppies, as it has a high smoke point and will not burn easily.
Q5. Can I bake hush puppies instead of deep-frying them?
Yes, you can bake hush puppies instead of deep-frying them. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the hush puppies for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Q6. What is the best way to reheat hush puppies?
The best way to reheat hush puppies is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the hush puppies for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Q7. Can I freeze hush puppies?
Yes, you can freeze hush puppies. Place the cooled hush puppies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Transfer the frozen hush puppies to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Brenda Gantt’s hush puppies recipe is a classic Southern snack that is easy to make and sure to be a hit with family and friends. The batter is made with a combination of cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, onion, and other ingredients and then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Serve these hush puppies as a side dish, appetizer, or snack with your favorite dipping sauce.