Crispy Onion Rings with Red Onion Agrodolce
Is there such a thing as too much onion?
The third — and, for now, final — sauce in my series of transforming the humble onion into delicious sauces: Onion Rings with a Red Onion Agrodolce. Agrodolce is the perfect cross between the texture of a caramelized onion and the flavor of a pickled onion, in a fraction of the time. The word agrodolce is Italian and literally translates to “sour” (agro) and “sweet” (dolce). This tangy condiment is highly versatile and goes great with roasted vegetables, served on a sandwich, used as a glaze on meat, or even paired with a crispy fried snack.
Who doesn’t love an onion ring? Crunchy, nostalgic, and a perfect vehicle for great condiments. After a few tests, I landed on a three-part dredge, which yielded the most even coating and crispiest exterior after frying. Paprika, garlic powder, and ground fennel seed season the batter. The fennel seed feels like the perfect partner to the agrodolce, which is seasoned with some floral pink peppercorn.
The double-onion combo works surprisingly well here — no thanks to the versatility of the great onion. This series has made me further appreciate the incredible power that this humble vegetable holds, and it’s something I will not take for granted.
Written Recipe below!