In the past year England has definitely been in the spotlight with the Royal Wedding, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and the Summer Olympics. Although I have yet to visit any part of the United Kingdom, the many Fish and Chips restaurants in Montreal have confirmed my palate is ready for the trip. So whether you are a fan of Kate Middleton’s flawless fashion, Prince Harry’s questionable billiards apparel (or lack thereof), or just simply in awe of England’s Royal Family, you must try this recipe for Beer Battered Fish and Onion Rings! I warn you this meal is heavy and not for the health conscious, but everyone deserves a day to cheat a little.
Fish and Chips (Serves four)
Ingredients:
1 1 / 2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 / 4 tsp cayenne pepper (according to taste)
1 bottle beer (any brand)
1 small red onion cut into 1 / 2 in thick slices (separate into rings)
1 lb haddock fillets cut into serving-size pieces
2 lemons diced into wedges
Tartar sauce
Vegetable oil for frying
Add enough oil to a pot (approximately 2 inches of depth) and preheat to 350°F.
In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and cayenne pepper. Add beer slowly into the bowl and whisk. When the mixture is smooth, let it stand for fifteen minutes.
Using a fork, dip the onion rings into the batter and drop them in the oil pot gently. Take about 5 rings at a time and let them cook for about one minute. Make sure to turn them halfway. Once they are golden brown transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate.
Sprinkle flour over the fish pieces and then dip them into the batter. Once they are transferred to the oil pot, let them fry for about seven minutes. Flip them once in between and when golden brown, place them on the paper towel-lined plate. Drain the oil from the fish as well as the onion rings and then serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.
