Victorian Onion Crunch
History and Background
The Victorian Onion Crunch is a dish that hails from the opulent Victorian era, a time of grandeur and indulgence. It was during this time that experimentation in the kitchen was at its peak, resulting in unique and flavorful dishes such as this one. The main component is the humble onion, an ingredient that was used extensively in Victorian cooking due to its availability and versatility. The dish quickly became a favorite thanks to its crispy texture and sweet, caramelized flavor, making it a staple for high teas and lavish dinner parties alike.
Ingredients
- Onions - 4 large, thinly sliced
- Butter - 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
- Brown sugar - 1 tablespoon
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon
- Flour - 1/2 cup
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
- Pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
- Panko breadcrumbs - 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese, grated - 1/2 cup
- Eggs - 2, beaten
- Vegetable oil - for frying
Preparation
Step 1: Caramelizing the Onions
Begin by heating butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they start to soften, about 10 minutes. Add brown sugar and balsamic vinegar, and continue cooking while stirring occasionally until the onions are deeply caramelized, approximately 20 more minutes.
Step 2: Preparing the Coating Ingredients
While the onions caramelize, prepare your breading station. Combine flour, salt, and pepper in one bowl. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
Cooking Process
Step 3: Breading the Onions
Take the caramelized onions and dust them with the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan mixture.
Step 4: Frying the Onions
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot until it reaches 350°F. Working in batches, fry the breaded onions until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
How to Enjoy Victorian Onion Crunch
Serve your Victorian Onion Crunch hot, as an appetizer or a side dish. It pairs exceptionally well with a variety of dips, such as aioli or spicy tomato chutney. For an authentic Victorian experience, enjoy this dish with a crisp white wine or a traditional lemonade. Its sweet and savory profile makes it the perfect accompaniment to any main course, or even as a topping for steaks or gourmet burgers.