Serves: 4
Total Calories: 197

2 large sweet onions, such as Vidalia, Maui, or Walla Walla, cut into 1/2-inch-thick rings

ALA BATTER:
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons
1 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, beaten
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3/4 cup ale beer

vegetable shortening or vegetable oil for deep-frying
salt to taste

1. Use only the large outer rings of the onions, saving the smaller rings (less than 1 inch in diameter) for another use. Soak the onion rings in a large bowl of ice water for 30 minutes. Drain well (give them a whirl in a salad spinner, if you like) and pat dry with paper towels.

2. MEANWHILE, TO MAKE THE BATTER: In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, Bayou Seasoning, and salt together. Add the egg and oil. Using a wooden spoon (not a whisk), stir in enough ale to make a thick, clinging batter-do not overmix. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven to 200°F. Place a large wire cake rack over a jelly roll pan. In a deep Dutch oven over high heat, melt vegetable shortening to a depth of 2 to 3 inches and heat it to 365°F. In batches, without crowding, dip the onion rings in the batter, letting excess batter drip back into the bowl, then place in the hot oil. Deep-fry until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a wire-mesh skimmer, transfer the rings to the wire rack and keep warm in the oven while frying the rest. Season with salt, and serve immediately.

Nutritional Facts:

Serves: 4
Total Calories: 197
Calories from Fat: 67

More Recipes from the Fried & True: Crispy and Delicious Dishes from Appetizers to Desserts Cookbook:
Broccoflower Fritti
Castroville Artichoke Sandwich
Central Avenue Rice Balls With Mozzarella
Chinese Green Beans With Chili Sauce
Classic Belgian French Fries
Falafel On Greens With Tahini Dressing
Meaty Tomato Sauce
Okra Fritters With Chickpea Batter
Panisses (Chickpea Fries)
Potato Pancakes (Latkes)
Potato-Pesto Puffs
Roman Artichokes, Jewish Style
Vegetable Tempura With Ginger Dipping Sauce
Vidalia Onion Rings With Ale Batter
Zucchini And Ricotta Fritters
Zucchini Blossoms In Chardonnay Batter