Smoked Paprika Onion Rings

Smoked Paprika O Rings

Vegetable oil, for frying
1 large Vidalia onion, sliced about 1/4 inch thick
3 cups buttermilk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups cornmeal
2 tablespoons smoked sweet paprika, a couple of palmfuls
1 tablespoon chili powder, a palmful
1 tablespoon ground cumin, a palmful
1 tablespoon salt
1 1/2 cups sour cream
2 pimiento peppers or 1 roasted red pepper, patted dry and chopped
3 tablespoons fresh dill leaves
Heat a couple of inches of oil in a deep pot over medium to medium-high heat. The oil, 6 cups or so, will take 10 minutes or so to heat evenly. To test, a piece of bread dropped into oil should brown in a count of 20 or bubbles should form on the handle of a wooden spoon inserted into oil.
Separate and toss the rings in buttermilk. Cover a large, deep plate with plastic wrap for easy-clean up. Combine flour, cornmeal, spices, and salt on the plate. Toss 1/3 of the rings in the breading at a time and coat evenly. Fry 3 to 4 minutes until deep golden. Drain on a paper towel lined plate. Repeat.
Combine the sour cream with peppers and dill in food processor and process until a smooth sauce forms. Transfer to a dish for dipping. Surround with O rings and serve.