Adventures in cooking: Lord of the Onion Rings

I was so excited to try out my new cookbook “Hungry Girl” by Lisa Lillien which contains more than 300 pages of “recipes and survival strategies for guilt-free eating in the real world.” Although the book could have more photos, I love how it caters (ha!) to young women with categories like “Chop ‘Til Ya Drop,” “Party Time” and “Happy Hour,” providing healthy takes on common comfort foods.

This simple recipe for onion rings, from the “Junk Food Junkie” category, intrigued me and I knew I had to try it. It’s a great way to get that junk food fix while still watching what you eat. My tip for those who try out this recipe — definitely season the blended cereal!

Recipe Recap — Lord of the Onion Rings

Ingredients:

— 1 large onion
— 1/2 cup Fiber One bran cereal (original)
— 1/4 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute
— Dash of salt
Optional: Seasonings to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Cut the ends off the onion and remove the outer layer. Cut onion into 1/2-inch-wide slices and separate into rings (you’ll only shed a few tears!).
3. Using a blender, grind Fiber One to a breadcrumb-like consistency. Add salt and seasonings to taste.
4. Fill a small bowl with egg substitute. One by one, coat each ring first in egg, then in “breadcrumbs.”
5. Place on cookie sheet sprayed with non-stick spray and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping rings over halfway through.

Only 153 calories and 1 gram of fat per serving!

Fun Fact (from the book): An average order of onion rings at a fast-food joint contains 450 calories and 25 grams of fat. An average onion contains 50 calories and no fat.

Grab a used copy of “Hungry Girl” at Half.com (for less than $7!), or sign up for their daily newsletter to get some great, healthy recipes for free.