Recipe: Sweet Vidalia Onion Rings with Chili Catsup

Recipe

Sweet Vidalia Onion Rings
with Chili Catsup

For the onion rings:

2 cups (10 oz/315 g) all-purpose plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups (16 fl oz/500 ml) beer, at room temperature
1 teaspoon salt, plus salt to taste
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 egg whites, at room temperature
2-1/2 cups (10 oz/315 g) fine dried bread crumbs
peanut oil for deep-frying
3 extra-large Vidalia onions, cut crosswise into slices 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick and separated into rings

For the chili catsup:

1 cup (8 fl oz/250 ml) catsup
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 fresh jalapeño chili pepper, seeded and minced

Vidalia onions hail from Vidalia, Georgia, where perfect conditions exist for their cultivation. These large yellow onions, most widely available in late spring, are extremely sweet and juicy. If you can't find them, substitute Maui onions (from Hawaii) or Walla Wallas (from Washington), both prized for their sweetness, or use any other sweet onions. Offer these spicy rings as an appetizer or a side dish.

To Make the Onion Rings:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, beer, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper. Mix well. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

In a bowl, using an electric mixer on high speed, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Using a rubber spatula, fold the whites into the batter. In another bowl, combine the bread crumbs and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Stir to mix well.

In a deep, heavy sauté pan or saucepan, pour in peanut oil to a depth of 2 inches (5 cm) and heat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) on a deep-frying thermometer, or until a little batter dropped into the oil sizzles immediately upon contact.

Dip the onion rings, a few at a time, into the batter, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the rings into the bread crumbs, coating them evenly and shaking off any excess. Place the breaded onion rings in single layers on a baking sheet, separating the layers with waxed or parchment paper.

To Make the Chili Catsup:

In a small bowl, whisk together the catsup, cayenne pepper and jalapeño pepper. Set aside.

When the oil is ready, working in batches, slip the rings into the hot oil, being careful not to crowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crisp, 1-2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer to paper towels to drain.

Arrange the hot onion rings on a platter and sprinkle with salt. Place the chili catsup alongside for dipping. Serve immediately.

Serves 6

Spring: Recipes Inspired by Nature's Bounty
by Joanne Weir
50 four-color photographs by Penina
Time-Life Books; March 1997
$21.95/hardcover
ISBN: 0-7835-4606-8
Reprinted by permission.