Crispy, Crunchy Cornmeal and Pepita Onion Rings

Goodbye, greasy onion rings! Say hello to these lovely baked beauties instead!

A mixture of cornmeal and crushed pepitas (otherwise known as pumpkin seeds) gives these unique onion rings a crunchy coating and a unique blend of flavors. Dip them in your favorite sauce for an extra special treat!

Crispy, Crunchy Cornmeal and Pepita Onion Rings [Vegan, Gluten-Free, Oil-Free]

Ingredients

• 1 large sweet onion
• 4 cups almond milk
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons almond meal
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup ground unsalted raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
• Dash of ground black pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Mix almond milk and vinegar to create a vegan buttermilk in a long shallow dish (like a baking dish). Set aside. Slice onions into about 1/2 inch thick circles. Place onions in the vegan buttermilk. Soak overnight for best results or at least 3-4 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 450°F. Combine 1 cup of the buttermilk mixture with the almond meal to form a batter and mix well. Place into a bowl or shallow dish. Combine cornmeal, ground pepitas, and spices in a bowl or shallow dish and set aside.
3. One by one, dip onion slices in batter mixture and coat well. Then coat with cornmeal/pepita mixture.
4. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, depending on thickness, then flip the onion rings and bake another 10-12 minutes.

Notes

You can make this nut free by using another type of non dairy milk such as soy, rice or hemp milk. You can also use another flour such as oat flour to replace the almond meal. If you are avoiding corn, you can always use all ground pepitas, but you won’t get onion rings as crispy as those with cornmeal. Tips to prep ahead: Grind the pepitas and make the crust topping the day before, at the same time you make the buttermilk and soak the onion slices. The day of all you will need to do is make the batter, dip, coat and bake.

https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/crispy-crunchy-cornmeal-and-pepita-onion-rings/