Beer-Battered Onion Rings

2 cups all-purpose flour

¼ cup cornstarch

2 tablespoons onion powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

teaspoon paprika

16 ounces beer, preferably Goose Island Summertime

2 large Spanish yellow onions, sliced ½-inch thick

2 cups panko bread crumbs

6 cups vegetable oil for frying

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, onion powder, salt, black pepper and paprika. Slowly whisk in the beer to make a slightly thick batter.

Heat 6 cups of vegetable oil in a heavy, wide pan to 350 degrees.

Separate the onion slices into individual rings; pour the panko into a shallow bowl or plate. Working in batches, dip onion rings into the beer batter, then into the bread crumbs to fully coat. Carefully slide into the hot oil and fry for about 2 minutes, turning at least once. Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining onion rings.

Serves four.

Chef Amanda Downing, Rockit Burger Bar, Chicago