If you haven’t tasted incredibly delicious fried onions, you’re in for a treat with this recipe! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these fried onions are paired with a rich and creamy cheese sauce that takes them to the next level. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the steps to create this delectable dish.
Ingredients
For the Fried Onions:
- 3 onions
- 200 grams all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 eggs
- 100 ml milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 20 grams unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 125 ml milk
- 75 grams cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon chili sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions:
- Peel the onions and cut them into rings. To do this, slice the onions horizontally and separate the rings.
- Place the onion rings in a bowl of cold water. Let them soak for about 10 minutes to reduce the sharpness of the onions. Drain and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 200 grams of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder. Mix well to combine the dry ingredients.
- In another bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and 100 ml of milk until smooth.
- Coat the Onion Rings:
- Dip each onion ring first into the flour mixture, ensuring it is well-coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the floured onion ring into the egg and milk mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off.
- Finally, dip the onion ring back into the flour mixture to coat it thoroughly. This double-dipping process ensures a crispy coating.
- Fry the Onion Rings:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking (about 180°C or 350°F).
- Carefully place a few onion rings at a time into the hot oil. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried onion rings from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt 20 grams of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add 1 teaspoon of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and stir continuously to create a roux. Cook the roux for about 1 minute, until it is light golden in color.
- Gradually whisk in 125 ml of milk, making sure to break up any lumps and create a smooth mixture.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder to the mixture and continue to whisk until the sauce begins to thicken, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Once the sauce has thickened, add 75 grams of grated cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- If you prefer a bit more heat, you can add 1 teaspoon of chili sauce to the cheese sauce. Stir well to incorporate.
- Serve:
- Arrange the fried onion rings on a serving platter.
- Serve the hot cheese sauce in a bowl alongside the onion rings for dipping.
Cooking Tips
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving crispy onion rings. If the oil is too hot, the rings will burn; if it’s too cold, they will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Consistent Slices: Cut the onions into uniform rings to ensure even cooking.
- Double Coating: The double-dipping method in flour and egg mixture ensures a thicker and crispier coating.
Nutritional Benefits
- Onions: Rich in vitamins C and B6, folic acid, and antioxidants. They support immune function and heart health.
- Cheddar Cheese: A good source of calcium and protein, which are essential for bone health and muscle repair.
- Milk: Provides calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful: The combination of spices in the coating and the rich, creamy cheese sauce creates a burst of flavors in every bite.
- Crispy Texture: The double coating and frying method result in perfectly crispy onion rings.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe easy to follow.
- Versatile: Great as an appetizer, snack, or side dish for any occasion.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Coating: The combination of flour and spices creates a balanced coating that adheres well to the onions and provides a flavorful crust.
- Cheese Sauce: The rich cheese sauce complements the crispy onion rings perfectly, adding a creamy and tangy contrast.
- Frying Technique: Proper frying technique ensures that the onion rings are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Conclusion
These fried onions with cheese sauce are an absolute delight and sure to become a favorite in your home. The crispy, flavorful onion rings paired with the rich and creamy cheese sauce create a snack that’s hard to resist. Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special dinners, this recipe is a winner. Enjoy making and savoring these delicious fried onions with cheese sauce, and share the joy with your family and friends. Happy cooking!