Ingredients:
1 large onion
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp cayenne pepper
1 ½ tsp smoked paprika or normal paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
½ tsp onion powder or onion salt
1 cup whole milk
canola oil, for frying.
Method:
1. Cut off half about half a cm the pointy stem end of the onion, so that it’s completely flat, then turn the onion around so that the cut-side is down and the root is at the top, this will help to keep the onion steady.
2. Using a sharp knife, make cuts in a circular motion downwards around the root to create petals, try and do about 12 to 16 petals depending on the size of the onion. Flip the onion over and use your hands to loosen the petals from each other.
3. In a large bowl, combine flour, cayenne, paprika, oregano, salt, garlic and onion powder.
4. In a separate bowl, add milk. Place the onion for about 5 minutes in the milk, transfer onion to flour mixture and use a spoon to coat the petals of the onion with the flour mixture, make sure that each petal is well coated.
5. In a large pot add oil and bring up the heat to medium high heat. When the oil is nice and hot, then fry the onion for about 5-8 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Transfer the blooming onion to a plate covered in paper towels to drain off excess oil and season with a little salt and pepper.
We made a dip by simply mixing 3 Tbsp mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp sour cream, 2 tsp ketchup and a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy!