March Madness Onion Rings with Two Dips

Before you start in with your bracket picks, know that I have absolutely zero knowledge of basketball. I come from a very short (seriously, both parents are 5'4"), very basketball-disinterested family. But I do love onion rings and I was also chomping at the bit to finally use the powdered sumac I found at the International grocery store!  These onion rings are made with whole wheat flour and the two dips are either heavy on the protein with a creamy greek yogurt sauce, or seriously herbal and awesome. 

And I hesitate to say this on a healthy recipe blog...but these babies are deep fried. I know. I know. But the baked version just didn't cut it this time and besides, it's all about moderation! If you're sharing these onion rings and you have a heaping ton of veggies.....see where I'm going? Life's too short to never eat something fried.

Whole Wheat Onion Rings

Serves 2-3 

/// Ingredients ///

• 2 Spanish onions
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• salt
• 1 teaspoon powdered sumac
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• chives

/// Directions /// Slice onions into 1/4 inch thick rings and separate. Heat oil in a pot on the stove. Test oil to make sure it's piping hot to fry. Mix batter in a bowl and add onion rings. Remove one by one with a fork and add a small batch to the oil. Fry until slightly golden and remove onto a plate with a paper towel. Once the onions have been fried once, return in batches to the oil for a second fry to get very golden and crispy. Top with chives.

Aioli Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup greek yogurt
• 1/2 T sriracha 
• 3 cloves garlic, pureed
• black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 T lemon juice

Directions: Add all to a bowl and mix thoroughly.

Chimichurri Sauce 

Ingredients: 

• 1/2 cup parsley
• 2 T olive oil
• 2 cloves pureed garlic
• 1 Tcider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Directions: Add all to a blender and blend until beautiful and green.