High Fructose Corn Syrup Free Crispy Leek Rings
Those dark green leek tops that usually end up in the compost bin are the real star here, transformed into shatteringly crisp rings that taste like the lovechild of an onion ring and a gourmet bar snack. The batter comes together with lactose-free milk spiked with fresh lemon juice, which thickens into a tangy, clingy coating that grabs onto every layer of leek. A blend of white rice flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs gives the crust serious crunch without any of the processed fillers or sweeteners that sneak into so many store-bought coatings and mixes. Smoked paprika and optional cayenne add a warm, smoky heat that makes these genuinely hard to stop eating. Letting the coated rings rest on a wire rack before frying is the small step that makes a big difference — it helps the crust set so it stays put in the pan instead of sliding off. A finish of flaky sea salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon is all they need. Serve them straight from the skillet while they're still crackling.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the leek rings
- 3 large leeks, dark green tops only, cut into ½-inch rings
For the batter
- 1 cup lactose-free whole milk
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp fine salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the coating
- 1 cup gluten free breadcrumbs
- ½ cup white rice flour
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp fine salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
For frying
- ½ cup neutral oil (such as canola oil or sunflower oil), for frying
For serving
- flaky sea salt, for serving (optional)
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Trim the leeks, discarding the root ends and all white and light-green portions — use only the dark green tops. Slice the dark green tops crosswise into 1/2-inch rings and separate the layers into individual rings. Rinse the rings thoroughly in a colander under cold water, then spread on a clean kitchen towel and pat completely dry.
- 2
Stir together the lactose-free milk and lemon juice in a shallow bowl and let stand for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Whisk in the egg, 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper until smooth.
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