Name: Fried Onion Rings
Yield: Makes about 40 onion rings (4 to 6 side-dish servings)
Ingredients: 2 large Spanish onions (2 lb total); 2 cups well-shaken buttermilk; 4 teaspoons salt; 2 teaspoons black pepper; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 4 to 6 cups vegetable shortening or vegetable oil (32 to 48 fl oz); a deep-fat thermometer

Fried Onion RingsRita Maas

This recipe was inspired by the irresistible onion rings served at two classic New York City restaurants, Lindy's and Junior's. We tested the rings with both vegetable shortening and oil; although both yield a crisp, crunchy coating, our food editors preferred the fuller flavor the shortening imparts. For dramatic effect, we only used the larger rings of the onion, but feel free to use the smaller ones, too.

Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

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