Description
A crispy and flavorful appetizer featuring bite-sized Cipollini onions transformed into blooming onion shapes, double-coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to golden perfection. Served warm with a creamy buttermilk ranch dip, this dish makes a delightful snack or starter for gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Onions
- 12 pieces Cipollini Onions (small and sweet for blooming)
Buttermilk Dip
- 1 cup Buttermilk (or whole milk mixed with vinegar as a substitute)
Coating
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tablespoon Spice Mix (garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dry mustard, salt, black pepper)
Frying Oil
- 4 cups Oil (vegetable or canola oil for frying)
Instructions
- Preparation: Begin by trimming the tops and bottoms of the Cipollini onions, then carefully score the sides to create the blooming effect.
- Peeling Onions: Soak the onions in warm water if peeling is difficult, to make it easier to remove the outer layers without breaking the onion.
- Prepare Buttermilk: Pour 1 cup of buttermilk into a bowl for dipping the onions before coating.
- Mix Coating: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with the spice mix consisting of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper, adjusting the seasoning to your preferred heat level.
- Double-Coat the Onions: Dip each scored onion first into the buttermilk, then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture. Repeat by dipping again into the buttermilk and once more dredging it in the flour to create a thick, crispy coating.
- Heat Oil: In a deep pan, heat 4 cups of oil to 350°F (175°C), ensuring enough oil to submerge the onions for frying.
- Fry the Onions: Carefully place the coated onions cut-side down into the hot oil. Fry them for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through to cook evenly.
- Drain and Season: Remove the fried onions using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Immediately season with a little salt to enhance their flavor.
- Serve Warm: Serve the bite-sized blooming onions warm alongside a creamy buttermilk ranch dip for dipping.
Notes
- Use Cipollini onions for their small size and natural sweetness which makes them ideal for blooming and bite-sized servings.
- If buttermilk is unavailable, mix whole milk with a tablespoon of vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes as a substitute.
- Adjust the spice mix to your taste; add cayenne pepper for extra heat if desired.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked onions.
- Drain onions well after frying to keep them crispy.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
