Fried Onion Straws With Creole Mustard Dipping Sauce

Shawn C's Note:

This is such a great alternative to French fries. Goes well with steaks too. I actually like the dipping sauce with raw vegetables as well. This would probably go well with fried okra too.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

STRAWS

• 4 -5 large sweet onions
• 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

CREOLE MUSTARD SAUCE

• 1/4 teaspoon creole seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 3 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
• 2 teaspoons dry ranch dressing mix
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 3 teaspoons hot sauce
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• salt

Directions:

1. With a mandoline slicer for fast and even slices (be sure to use the guard and be very careful not to cut fingers) cut onions 1/8 inch for straws and thicker for onion rings if desired.
2. Once sliced, for straws separate rings and pull slightly apart to break them.
3. In a bowl place evaporated milk, sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt and hot sauce; whisk to dissolve sugar.
4. Place onions in mixture and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring to coat well.
5. Mix flour, cornmeal, baking soda, Old Bay Seasoning, cayenne pepper, and.
6. 1 teaspoon salt in a ziploc bag; close and shake to mix.
7. Heat oil hot to about 375 or 350 degrees Fahrenehit.
8. Drain a handful or two of onions; place in bag and shake to coat well.
9. Shake off excess and fry until crispy and golden brown, about 4 minutes.
10. Drain on paper towels.
11. Repeat until all onions are done.
12. Serve immediately with the creole mustard dipping sauce.
13. CREOLE MUSTARD DIPPING SAUCE:.
14. In a small bowl, combine creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, spicy brown mustard, dry ranch dressing mix, lemon juice, hot sauce, sour cream, and salt.
15. Cover and chill.
16. Yield: 1 cup.