Onion Rings / Inele de ceapa

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix the milk and water. 

2. Slice the onions into ¼-inch thick slices and separate the rings.  Place the onion in the milk for at least 1 hour.  Remove and place the rings onto absorbent paper.

3. Mix flour, salt, pepper, butter and egg yolks into a bowl.  Slowly add beer, stirring constantly until you have a thick batter.  Do not let it get too thin.  It should resemble a thicker pancake batter and be thick enough to stick to the onion rings.  Let the batter rest for at least 3 hours.

4. In a separate bowl, beat the remaining egg whites until stiff.  Add the egg whites to the mixture (egg whites are optional). 

5. Dip the soaked onion slices into the batter and fry in 1 to 2 inches of HOT oil.  Do not overcrowd the pan or they will stick together and become hard to work with. 

6. After both sides are browned, place on absorbent paper.  Salt to taste.  Serve hot.

 

Notes: Don't let the long prep time scare you! The ingredients simply need mixing and to be put aside to rest for a while.  If you plan accordingly, this is a great snack for a group of people. If using other veggies, skip step # 2.

 

Variations: Lazy Man's Onion Rings: Cut 1 onion into ¼-inch thick slices and set aside.  In a bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1 tsp. garlic powder, and a dash of pepper.  Add 1 cup flat beer until it becomes the consistency of thick pancake batter.  It should be thick enough to stick to the onion rings.  Follow steps 4 – 6 to finish. Fried Fruit: Simply use fruit instead of vegetables. Eliminate the pepper. Add 2 Tbs. sugar.

Substitutions: Onions/Zucchini, mushrooms, eggplant etc.