Tennessee Onions
Tennessee Onions are a beloved comfort food that brings together the sweet, tender flavor of onions with a crispy, golden coating. These delectable onion rings are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish for any meal. The combination of buttermilk and seasoned cornmeal gives them a uniquely Southern twist that is sure to please anyone at the table. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a savory treat, Tennessee Onions are a delightful addition.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 320
- Protein: 5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 47 grams
- Fat: 14 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 300 mg
Why Make This Tennessee Onions
Tennessee Onions are not just delicious, they are also incredibly easy to prepare! The crispy coating contrasts beautifully with the soft, sweet onions, creating a satisfying bite that everyone loves. They make a fantastic snack while watching a game or can accompany your favorite grilled meats. Plus, they are budget-friendly and require simple ingredients that you might already have at home.
How to Make Tennessee Onions
Making Tennessee Onions involves just a few straightforward steps. Start by slicing your onions, then soaking them in buttermilk to enhance their flavor and texture. After that, coat them in a seasoned cornmeal mixture before frying them to a perfect golden brown. It’s an uncomplicated process that yields scrumptious results!
Ingredients:
- 4 large onions
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Slice the onions into rings. Aim for about a quarter-inch thickness to ensure even cooking.
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Step 2: Soaking
Soak the onion rings in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This step enhances the flavor and softens the onions.
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Step 3: Mixing
In a separate bowl, mix the cornmeal, salt, and black pepper thoroughly to combine the seasonings evenly.
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Step 4: Heating Oil
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the onion rings as they fry.
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Step 5: Dredging
Dredge each onion ring in the cornmeal mixture, coating well to ensure they are fully covered.
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Step 6: Frying
Fry the onion rings in the hot oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to maintain the oil temperature.
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Step 7: Finishing
Drain the fried onion rings on paper towels and serve hot while they are crispy and warm.
How to Serve Tennessee Onions
Serve Tennessee Onions on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces. They pair wonderfully with spicy remoulade, zesty ranch dressing, or even a classic ketchup. Enjoy them as a side to burgers, grilled meats, or share them as an appetizer at gatherings.
How to Store Tennessee Onions
Leftover Tennessee Onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
Expert Tips for Perfect Tennessee Onions
- Use sweet onions like Vidalia for a milder flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning in the cornmeal to suit your tastes; try adding cayenne pepper for a kick!
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying, so the rings don’t absorb too much oil.
- For extra crunch, double-dip the onion rings in buttermilk and cornmeal.
Delicious Variations
- Spiced Tennessee Onions: Mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or garlic powder into the cornmeal.
- Cheesy Cornmeal Coating: Add grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese to the cornmeal for a cheesy twist.
- Baked Version: For a healthier take, brush the coated onion rings with olive oil and bake them at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use other types of onions? Yes! While you can use any onion, yellow and sweet onions tend to work best for this recipe.
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Is it possible to make Tennessee Onions gluten-free? Absolutely! You can substitute cornmeal with a gluten-free breading such as crushed rice crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
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How do I know when the oil is hot enough? You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread; it should bubble and brown in about 60 seconds.
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Can these be made in advance? You can prepare the onion rings ahead of time and refrigerate them before frying. Just coat them and keep them in a single layer on a baking sheet until you’re ready to fry.
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What if I don’t have buttermilk? You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
Conclusion
Tennessee Onions are a delightful and crunchy treat that are sure to impress everyone. With their simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip them up for any occasion. Experiment with different seasonings and dips to make them your own! Give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you, and your friends and family will keep coming back for more. Happy cooking!
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Tennessee Onions
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, golden onion rings coated in seasoned cornmeal, perfect for snacking or serving as a side dish.
Ingredients
- 4 large onions
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Slice the onions into rings, about a quarter-inch thick.
- Soak the onion rings in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cornmeal, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Dredge each onion ring in the cornmeal mixture, coating well.
- Fry the onion rings in the hot oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Drain the fried onion rings on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
For extra crunch, consider double-dipping in buttermilk and cornmeal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
