Frickles: fried pickles

Fried pickles are a very traditional southern dish and taste a lot better then they sound. They have great textural contrast from the crust that forms from the frying and the slight crunch from the pickle itself, and who doesn't like pickles? So, why not deep fry them?

Fried Pickles

2 pickles cut into approximately 1/2 inch circles,(I had spears, doesn't matter though)yields around 15-20 slices

1 egg

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup milk or heavy cream

1/2 cup panko or any other type of breadcrumbs

dash of hot sauce

1/2 tsp garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste

oil for frying, you want about 1/2-1 inch worth of oil in your pot

Directions

1. Lay pickle slices on a paper towel and pat dry.
2. In bowl whisk together egg, milk, a couple drops of hot sauce and 1/4 cup flour.
3. In another bowl mix together remaining 1/4 cup flour, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder and some salt and pepper.
   
   
4. Dip a dried pickle into batter then dredge into panko mixture to coat completely. Transfer to a plate, repeat with remaining pickles. Allow to sit while the oil heats.
5. Heat 1 inch of oil in a sauce pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil starts to shimmer, sprinkle in a pinch of flour. If it sizzles the oil is hot enough. Fry pickles in batches until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Transfer to paper towel lined plate. Sprinkle with salt if desired or any type of herb like parsley or rosemary. Serve immediately.