Seasoned Onion Straws

Serves 4

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: about 2 minutes per batch

Make ahead: These need to be made last minute, but if you pull all your prep together in advance they go together quickly.

Tip: A sweet onion, like a Vidalia, makes a really mellow and delicious onion straw. 

Vegetable oil, as needed for frying 

1 large sweet onion, peeled, halved and sliced into ¼-inch slices
1/4 cup milk 

½ teaspoon hot sauce
1 cup flour

1 teaspoon salt 

½ teaspoon pepper 

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Salt and pepper to taste
 

Preheat oven to 200°F .  In a deep heavy skillet or Dutch oven pour oil to the depth of 2- inches. Heat until very hot but not smoking.

In a medium bowl combine the sliced onion, milk and hot sauce.  In a shallow dish combine the flour, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper.  Working in batches, dip a few onion slices into the milk then dredge them  in the seasoned flour. Fry until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels; transfer to a paper towel lined baking sheet. Place in the oven while cooking remaining onion slices.  Season with salt and pepper; serve immediately.