Onion Rings: A Crispy treat by Chef Ajay Chopra

 

 

Introduction

 

Let me take you back to the magic of Mumbai's monsoons with a simple but irresistible recipe: Crispy Onion Rings. I wanted to share this delicious recipe because I miss rainy days and crave hot pakoras (fritters). When it starts to rain, the smell of these crispy rings sizzling in hot oil is enough to make anyone feel better. Let me give you a twist on the classic Onion Rings for rainy days.

 

If you want to enjoy comfort food on a rainy day, nothing beats hot pakoras with a steaming cup of chai. I still remember my first time making Onion Rings during a sudden downpour. The sound of the raindrops hitting the window and the sizzle of the onions in the pan turned a rainy day into a culinary adventure.

 

 

Crispy Onion Rings Recipe

 

Making these Crispy Onion Rings is easy. Start by cutting big onions into rings. Then, make a tasty batter by mixing flour, spices, and a little soda for extra crunch. Coat the onion rings twice in the batter for the best results. Deep-fry until golden brown, and you have a plate full of golden, crispy goodness. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or eat them plain.

 

These Crispy Onion Rings will make your rainy day more enjoyable. For more food ideas, check out our cooking tips, find the best food pairs, and get answers to common questions about this delicious recipe.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

1. Thin pieces: For a better sauce-to-onion ratio, choose thin onion pieces.
2. Crispy Batter: Add a pinch of soda to the batter for that extra crispiness.
3. Double Coating: Double-coat the onion rings for a thicker and crunchier texture.
4. Consistent Frying: Maintain a consistent oil temperature for even frying.
5. Serve Hot: Onion rings are best enjoyed immediately while they are still hot and crispy.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

• Classic Ketchup: The timeless combination that never fails.
• Spicy Mayo: A zesty mayo dip with a kick of spice.
• Tangy Tamarind chutney with a bit of spice for an Indian taste.
• Garlic Aioli: Add a special touch with garlic-infused mayonnaise.

 

 

Ingredients:

 

• For Onion Rings:
  • 4 big onions
• For Stuffing:
  • 2-3 cheese slices
• For Peri-Peri Masala Coating:
  • 1 cup maida (all-purpose flour)
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • A pinch of citric acid
  • ½ tsp thyme
  • ½ tsp oregano
• For Tempura Batter:
  • 1/2 cup maida (all-purpose flour)
  • 1/2 cup rice flour
  • 1/2 cup cornflour
  • 1 tsp suji (semolina)
  • ½ liter soda (chilled)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
• Oil for deep frying

 

 

Method:

 

1. Prepare Onion Rings:

   • Cut big onions into ring sizes, ensuring to use big and round onions.
   • Cut cheese slices into strips.
   • Stuff each onion ring with a strip of cheese.

2. Prepare Peri-Peri Masala Coating:

   • On a plate, mix 1 cup flour and peri-peri masala together.

3. Prepare Tempura Batter:

   • In a large bowl, combine maida, rice flour, chilled soda, cornflour, suji, salt, red chili powder to make a smooth batter.

4. For Onion Cheese Rings:

   • Dip each stuffed onion ring into the tempura batter.
   • Coat it with the peri-peri masala mixture.
   • Repeat the process for an extra layer of coating.

5. Deep-Fry Onion Rings:

   • Heat oil for deep frying.
   • Fry the onion rings until they are crispy and golden brown.

6. Serve:

   • Sprinkle peri-peri masala on the crispy onion cheese rings.
   • Serve with cocktail sauce or your favorite dip.

 

Enjoy your delightful Stuffed Cheese Onion Rings with a burst of peri-peri flavor!

 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Onion Rings

1. How do I prevent the batter from becoming too thick?

   • Ensure the batter has a smooth consistency by gradually adding water and mixing well.

2. Can I use any type of onion for making Onion Rings?

   • While any onion works, sweet onions like Vidalia add a mild, sweet flavor to the rings.

3. Is it necessary to double-coat the onion rings?

   • Double coating enhances the crispiness of the rings, but a single coat can also be used for a lighter texture.

4. Can I make Onion Rings without deep frying?

   • While deep frying yields the best results, you can try baking or air frying for a healthier alternative.

5. Why add soda to the batter?

   • Soda adds a leavening effect, making the batter lighter and resulting in crispier Onion Rings.

6. How do I store leftover Onion Rings?

   • To maintain crispiness, reheat in an oven or air fryer instead of a microwave.

7. Can I make the batter in advance?

   • It's best to prepare the batter just before frying to retain its consistency and effectiveness.

8. What oil is suitable for frying Onion Rings?

   • Use oils with high smoke points like vegetable or peanut oil for deep frying.

9. How do I achieve uniform frying of the rings?

   • Avoid overcrowding the frying pan and flip the rings halfway through frying for even crispiness.

10. Can I make Onion Rings gluten-free?

    • Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free alternative and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

 

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