Pan-Fried Quail

This week, I want to share a main dish and a side. Let's start with the main event.

3 cups buttermilk, divided

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon hot sauce

5 whole quail, split in half

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided

1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon Creole seasoning, divided

1 teaspoon granulated garlic

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Canola oil, for frying

1 tablespoon butter

4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

1 cup heavy cream

Hot cooked grits, to serve

Garnish: sliced green onions

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups buttermilk, cornstarch, and hot sauce. Add quail and toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or up to overnight.

In a shallow dish, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning, granulated garlic, and paprika.

In a deep skillet, pour oil to a depth of 1-inch, and heat over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350℉.

Working in small batches, remove quail from buttermilk mixture, letting excess drip off. Dredge quail in flour mixture, gently pressing to adhere, shaking off excess.

Carefully place quail in hot oil. Fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest portion registers 165℉, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from oil and let drain on paper towels.

IN another skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add bacon, and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove bacon form skillet using a slotted spoon, and let drain on paper towels, reserving drippings in skillet.

Whisk remaining 1/4 cup flour into drippings until smooth. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, for 1 minute. Gradually add remaining 1 cup buttermilk, whisking constantly until fully combined and smooth. Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, 5 to 7 minutes. Whisk in cream and remaining 1/2 teaspoon Creole seasoning. Cook, stirring frequently, until heated through and bubbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in bacon. Serve quail over grits with gravy. Garnish with green onions, if desired.

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Enjoy!!!

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