BUTTERMILK ONION RINGS WITH GRILLED TOMATO AIOLI DIPPING SAUCE

Buttermilk Onion Rings with Grilled Tomato Aioli Dipping Sauce image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup all purpose flour
3 cups buttermilk
Pinch cayenne
Salt
4 large Vidalia onions, peeled and cut crosswise into 3/4-inch slices
4 cups peanut oil
4 cups all purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper
2 plum tomatoes, grilled, seeds and skin removed and coarsely chopped
2 cups good quality mayonnaise
3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Pinch of cayenne
Salt

Steps:

Combine buttermilk, flour, cayenne and salt in a large bowl until smooth. Soak the onion rings in the batter for 2 hours in the refrigerator. Using side burner. Heat oil in a large saucepan to 375 degrees F. In batches, remove onion rings from batter and dredge in the seasoned flour mixture. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and season immediately with salt.
For the aioli: place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Season with cayenne and salt.