Red-Hot Red Onion Rings

Cayenne, red pepper flakes and hot paprika give these onion rings their fire.

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Onions

• 2 red onions, peeled, cut in 1/4 inch thick slices,separated into rings
• 3/4 cup hot-chile or regular olive oil
• 1 cup buttermilk

Seasoned Flour

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons hot paprika
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 4 teaspoons black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

Onions

1. In a bowl, toss onions with oil. Cover; refrigerate for 2 hours, tossing twice.
2. Add buttermilk. Refrigerate 1 hour.

Seasoned Flour

1. n a bowl, mix all ingredients.
2. Heat 2 inches oil in deep fryer or Dutch oven to 365 degrees F.
3. Remove onion rings, a few at a time, from buttermilk mixture; coat with flour. Place on wax-paper–lined baking sheet.
4. Re-dip coated onion rings, a few at a time, in buttermilk mixture, then in flour, until thickly coated.
5. Fry in batches in hot oil (4 to 6 rings) 2 to 3 minutes, until golden brown.
6. Remove with slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
7. Serve.

Nutrition

Per serving: 849 calories, 12g protein, 76g carbohydrate, 55g fat, 6g fiber, 2mg cholesterol, 1,234mg sodium