Tennessee Onions are a flavorful and unique dish inspired by Southern cuisine. These are typically made with onions that are battered and fried until crispy, offering a delightful combination of sweetness from the onions and crunch from the batter. Here’s a recipe to make Tennessee Onions at home:
Tennessee Onions Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia or Walla Walla)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare Onions:
- Peel the onions and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rings. Carefully separate the rings from each other.
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, pour the buttermilk.
- Heat Oil:
- In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying.
- Dredge Onions:
- Dip each onion ring into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat the onion rings in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
- Fry Onions:
- Carefully place the coated onion rings into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
- Fry the onion rings for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the onion rings from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Serve:
- Serve the Tennessee Onions hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or a spicy aioli.
Tips
- Onion Preparation: If you want to avoid too much onion tear-jerking, try chilling the onions in the refrigerator before slicing.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) to ensure crispy onions without being greasy. If the oil temperature drops too low, the onions will absorb more oil and become greasy.
- Flavor Variations: You can experiment with different spices in the flour mixture to add more flavor. For instance, a bit of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick.
- Keeping Warm: If making a large batch, keep the cooked onion rings warm in an oven set to 200°F (93°C) while you finish frying the rest.
These Tennessee Onions make a great appetizer, side dish, or snack and are sure to be a hit at any gathering!