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Authentic Amish Onion Fritters with Creamy Dill Dip

A close-up of several golden brown, crispy Amish onion fritters piled on a white plate with a side of white dipping sauce.
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Make traditional Amish onion fritters, sometimes called Pennsylvania Dutch onion cakes, using simple ingredients for a crispy exterior and tender center. This recipe honors old world kitchen secrets for a perfect savory fried onion appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups finely shredded yellow or sweet onions
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • For the Dip: 1/2 cup sour cream
  • For the Dip: 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • For the Dip: 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • For the Dip: 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • For the Dip: Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dip first: In a small bowl, mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the fritters.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and water until combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
  5. Gently fold in the shredded onions until they are evenly coated in the batter.
  6. Pour vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of about 1 1/2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Use a thermometer to check the temperature for best results.
  7. Carefully drop the batter by heaping tablespoons into the hot oil, flattening slightly with the back of the spoon if needed. Work in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
  8. Fry the fritters for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning once, until they are deep golden brown and cooked through.
  9. Remove the crispy fried onion batter with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  10. Serve the homestyle onion fritters immediately while hot, alongside the chilled creamy dill dip.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, ensure your oil temperature is correct before adding the batter. If the oil is too cool, the fritters will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
  • If you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor, use Vidalia or another sweet onion variety.
  • These fritters pair well with applesauce as a traditional Amish side dish accompaniment.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cravybite.link/amish-onion-fritters-recipe-traditional/