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WALLA WALLA SWEET ONION FLOWER

Whole, crispy fried Walla Walla Sweet Onions cut to resemble flowers are a popular treat at fairs and festivals throughout Washington State. The "petals" of the onion are simply torn off and dipped in zesty barbecue sauce. Try this simple, reduced-fat version which can easily be made in the oven. The lovely presentation and combination of flavors make a memorable plate, especially when paired with good company & a tall, cool lemonade.
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2 Walla Walla Sweet Onions
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano, or 1 TB fresh oregano, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• Non stick vegetable cook spray
 

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Lightly grease a large baking or roasting pan. Peel the Walla Walla Sweet Onions, cut the bottom level, but leave the core intact. To make the flower design, begin as if you are going to cut the onion in half, from top to bottom, but stop cutting 1/2 inch from the core. Cut the onion this way 5 times to form ten sections or "petals." Carefully loosen the petals slightly by rapping the onion lightly on the work surface, and loosening them with your fingers. Remember that the flower will bloom more as it cooks.

Place the flour, salt, pepper, oregano, paprika and mustard in a small paper bag. Spray the onions with cooking spray to lightly coat each petal. Put one of the onions in the bag and gently shake to coat. Remove the onion and pat off the excess flour mixture. Place in a prepared pan and repeat with the other onion. Spray the coated onions lightly again with cooking spray to aid in browning.

Bake the onions in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until tender. Serve the onion flowers hot, with your favorite barbecue sauce as a dip, or as an accompaniment with pork loin, or grilled steak.

Note: For a deep fried onion flower, soak the cut onion in ice water for 30 minutes before frying. Towel dry. Using a large fryer with plenty of oil heated to 375 degrees, cook the coated onion 3 to 4 minutes. Drain well and season again with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
 

Walla Walla Sweet Onion Marketing Committee
by Susan Fowler Volland, Food Stylist and Food Editor