Crispy Cornmeal Fried Leek Rings Inspired By Alton Ina Eat Like No One Else Recipes

LEEK RINGS

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a 5-quart Dutch fitted with a deep-fry thermometer oven over medium-high heat to 375ºF.
• Slice the leeks into 1/2-inch wide rings, separating them 2 layers at a time.
• Whisk together the milk and the egg in a medium mixing bowl. Combine the flour and salt in another medium mixing bowl. Divide the flour into 2 separate, shallow dishes and place the milk and egg mixture in a third.
• Dip one small handful of the rings first into the first flour mixture, then into the milk and egg, and then into the second flour mixture. Working in batches, fry the rings until golden brown, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Using a spider strainer, carefully remove the rings to a wire rack set inside a half-sheet pan and drain for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. Season with additional salt, if desired.

LEEK RINGS

Steps:

• Preheat the oil in a heavy 5-quart pot over medium-high heat to 375 degrees F.
• Slice the leeks into 1/2-inch wide rings, separating them 2 layers at a time.
• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and the egg. In another medium mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Divide the flour into 2 separate, shallow dishes and place the milk and egg mixture in a third. Going 1 small handful at a time, dip the rings first into the first flour mixture, then into the milk and egg, and then into the second flour mixture. Working in batches, fry the rings for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove the rings to a cooling rack set inside a half sheet pan and allow to drain for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. Season with additional salt, if desired.

CORNMEAL-FRIED ONION RINGS

Steps:

• Peel the onions, slice them 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick, and separate them into rings. Combine the buttermilk, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Add the onion rings, toss well, and allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes. (The onion rings can sit in the buttermilk for a few hours.) In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Set aside.
• When you're ready to fry the onion rings, preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
• Heat the oil to 350 degrees F in a large pot or Dutch oven. (A candy thermometer attached to the side of the pot will help you maintain the proper temperature.) Working in batches, lift some onions out of the buttermilk and dredge them in the flour mixture. Drop into the hot oil and fry for 2 minutes, until golden brown, turning them once with tongs. Don't crowd them! Place the finished onion rings on the baking sheet, sprinkle liberally with salt, and keep them warm in the oven while you fry the next batch. Continue frying the onion rings and placing them in the warm oven until all the onions are fried. They will remain crisp in the oven for up to 30 minutes. Serve hot.

FRIED LEEKS

Steps:

• In a medium sauce pot heat oil to 350 degrees F.
• Clean and julienne leeks. Sift cornstarch and flour together. Dust leeks in flour/cornstarch and fry until golden brown, about 30 seconds. Drain on a paper towel, season with salt. See Cook's Note.

CRISPY FRIED LEEKS

Steps:

• Pour peanut oil into heavy small saucepan to depth of 1 inch; heat to 350°F. Fry leeks in small batches until golden brown, about 30 seconds. Using slotted spoon, transfer fried leeks to paper towels to drain.

CRISPY LEEKS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Cut leek in half lengthwise, then cut each piece in half crosswise. Cut each quarter into long, thin strips. Rinse the strips in hot water and pat dry.
• Toss in a medium bowl with oil.
• In a small bowl combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
• Sprinkle flour and spice mix over leeks; toss well to combine.
• Spread in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake, stirring once or twice, until the leeks are crispy and golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes.