There are a few people in my family that absolutely LOVE onion rings. Who can blame them? They are crispy and savory and don't you just love it when the onions get cooked and are creamy inside that outer shell of battery goodness!
The thing is - there is no way (under ANY circumstances) these are coming off as a health food.
But even onion rings aren't going to be the end of you - and since we love them so much, I try and make them count! We'll make them on a special occasion (or to Make an occasion special!) That way we don't feel the need to eat the really terrible for you ones that don't taste so good - or at least not as good as these.
Beware - they are NOT easy, But that is another beauty of the onion ring - they are just hard enough that you won't be making them a ton. They are just too darn much work.
Ingredients:
1 quart vegetable oil
1 large vidalia onion, cut into 1/4″ slices
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup dry bread crumbs
Seasoned salt, to taste
Get to slicing those onions - feel free to cry like a baby. Whenever we do this at our house, I make everyone help out and that leads to lots of commentary on "secrets" of cutting onions without crying. I kid you not, they have worn work safety goggles, swim goggles, sun glasses ( don't ask!) as well as burned candles, chewed gum and washed the onions before slicing - nothing helps. These are good enough to be worth it - slice away and go ahead and cry.
Directions:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or pot to 365 degrees.
Separate the onion slices into rings and set aside.
In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Dip the onion slices in the flour mixture until completely coated and set aside.
Whisk the eggs and milk into the flour mixture. Dip the floured rings into the batter to coat and place on a wire rack to let excess batter drip off.
Pour the bread crumbs in a large bowl. Gently toss battered onions into the bread crumbs and and coat evenly.
This is usually where I have lots of helpers in the kitchen, I don't mind frying all those rings, but I can't stand dredging them each in the bread crumbs when they are all covered in batter - those clumpy fingers drive me nuts.
Deep fry a few rings at a time for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Place finished onion rings on paper towels to drain. Season with seasoning salt and serve.
Happy onion-ringing - and believe me.... you Will be happy. Even if you cry.
