Buttermilk Onion Rings With Grilled Tomato Aioli Dipping Sauce Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
• Place the halved tomatoes, onions, and garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with half the olive oil and sprinkle with thyme, salt and pepper. Toss to coat well. Place the tomatoes cut-side down, and cook for 2 hours turning the tomatoes after 1 hour. After the second hour, remove the baking sheet, and set aside the unpeeled garlic. Place the rest of the vegetables and the pan juices in a food processor or blender. Add a tablespoon or two of water to the pan to scrape up any bits of flavor stuck onto the baking sheet and add to the food processor. Squeeze out the soft flesh of the roasted garlic into the food processor and add the remaining olive oil. Pulse the mixture until chunky, or puree until smooth, depending on desired consistency. Taste the sauce and season with salt, and pepper, if necessary.

Steps:

• Cut the onions in 1/4" slices. In a glass dish, soak the onions in the buttermilk for 30 to 60 minutes.
• In a brown paper sack, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, onion powder, chili powder, and if needed, sugar. Drain the onions lightly and dredge them in the seasoned flour.
• Pour at least 4" of oil into a heavy saucepan. Heat the oil to 375°. Fry the onions, in batches, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden. For the crispiest results, drain on paper towels and spread on a serving plattter rather than piling them into a basket, where they could become soggy. Serve immediately.

Steps:

• Cut onions into 1/2-inch slices, and separate into rings.
• Set aside.
• Whisk together flour and next 4 ingredients until smooth.
• Pour oil to a depth of 2 inches into a Dutch oven; heat to 375°.
• Dip onion rings in batter, coating well.
• Fry, a few rings at a time, until golden.
• Drain on paper towels.
• Serve immediately.