Tennessee Onions: A Southern Classic

Tennessee Onions, or Tennessee Onion Rings, bring the taste of Southern cooking right to your table. With their crispy, seasoned coating and tender, sweet onions inside, these onion rings are a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, a snack, or a party appetizer, this recipe will help you create perfectly crispy and flavorful onion rings every time.

Ingredients

For the Onion Rings:

• 2 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia or Walla Walla)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Dipping Sauce (optional):

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preparing the Onions:

1. Peel and Slice: Peel the onions and cut them into thick rings, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide. Gently separate the rings and discard the smaller inner pieces, leaving the larger rings for frying.
2. Soak in Buttermilk: Place the onion rings in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step helps to tenderize the onions and adds flavor.

2. Preparing the Coating:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
2. Prepare Egg Mixture: In another bowl, beat the egg.

3. Breading the Onion Rings:

1. Dredge in Flour: Remove the onion rings from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each ring in the seasoned flour mixture, coating it thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Dip in Egg: Dip the floured onion rings into the beaten egg, allowing the excess to drip off.
3. Coat with Flour Again: Return the onion rings to the flour mixture for a second coating. This double coating ensures extra crispiness.

4. Frying the Onion Rings:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread; if it browns in about 60 seconds, the oil is ready.
2. Fry the Onion Rings: Carefully place a few onion rings in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the rings in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the onion rings from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional):

1. Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce (if using). Mix well and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

6. Serve:

1. Serve Hot: Enjoy the onion rings while they’re still hot and crispy. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or on their own.

Tips and Variations

• Onion Choices: Sweet onions work best for a milder flavor, but you can use regular yellow onions if preferred.
• Spicy Variation: For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili powder to the flour mixture.
• Oven-Baked Version: For a healthier alternative, you can bake the onion rings. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray with cooking oil. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion

Tennessee Onions, with their crispy coating and sweet onion flavor, are a quintessential Southern treat that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re making them as a side dish or serving them as a standalone snack, these onion rings are easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Follow this guide, and you’ll have perfectly crispy and flavorful onion rings that are sure to impress.

Enjoy your Southern cooking adventure with these delicious Tennessee Onions!

Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Happy frying!