5 Reasons to Make Onion Rings for Entertaining

Welcome back!

 One of the reasons why we get such a buzz eating at fast food joints is because of the many side dishes that we can order as well to personalise our food.  These are what I call little accessories to food.  We often overlook these  when we entertain but they  are crucial for creating an enjoyable meal or a better eating atmosphere.   Like clothing accessories make dressing complete, they make our food also complete. There are several such but my favourite ones are Onion Rings.  Yes, the humble, inexpensive Onion Rings!  Why? I will give you the answer in a moment, but first,

What are Onion Rings?

Onion Rings are a stylish way of adding onions to food not as one of the USUAL ingredients but showcasing the vegetable in its own right.  The onions are cut horizontally into several rings, separated and dipped into a batter and deep fried.

Now, back to why I like to include Onion Rings as a side dish when  entertaining, here are the reasons why:-

1. They are quick, easy to make, inexpensive but delicious and add real quality TASTE to any meal.   
2. They are ideal for students to make or for anyone who wants to impress their guests without breaking the bank.
3. They  add aesthetic beauty and extra aroma to a dish.
4. They spark conversations and become a talking point.
5. It’s always been known that onions have a lot of health benefits but did you know that apart from clearing ordinary coughs and colds, they are also believed to enhance mood?😀 Just ideal for entertaining!

To make these Onion Rings, this is what you have to do:-

Difficulty and servings

Easy, generously serves 8

Preparation and Cooking times

      Preparation time: 30 minutes+ proving time: cooking time 30 minutes

You will need:

250g All Purpose Flour

6g Instant Yeast

1 tsp Salt

1 sachet (6g) Seasoning

1 tsp Paprika

1 tsp Curry Powder (optional)

310 ml Warm Water

1tbs Oil for making the batter

3-4 Medium sized Onions, sliced

500 ml Oil for deep frying

Method:

1. Make the Batter: Put flour in a deep bowl and add yeast, salt, seasoning, paprika, curry powder and stir.  Pour the 1tbs oil into the warm water, stir and add it to the flour mixture.  Mix gently to combine and put in a warm place to prove (rise)for about 10-30 minutes.
2. Cut the Onions: Meanwhile, peel and wash the onions.  Pat dry with a clean napkin and slice into @1cm horizontal rings. Separate rings from each other and set aside.
3. Deep Frying: When the batter proves (rises), stir it up.   Heat the 500ml oil in a deep non-stick pan until medium hot. Dip each onion ring in the batter with the help of a tong and gently drop into the oil, repeat and fry a few at a time.  Fry until golden and crispy and remove onto a colander to drain.
4. After Frying: Keep the onion rings warm and crispy in a warm oven and serve immediately or soon after with other dishes and accompaniments.

Monica's Tip:

Onion rings vary in shapes and sizes but fry them all to showcase their natural formations.  If you want to have standard shapes for uniformity, then you may need more onion slices.

If there are any leftover onion rings, pack them into freezer bags and freeze. When needed, heat up some oil on medium heat and fry them until crispy again.

Source:http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/276714.php

"Possible health benefits of consuming onions"

Let me know how you get on when you make Onion Rings.  Please drop me a line through www.africaonyourplate.simplesite.com

Happy entertaining!

Monica Serwah Busia