Sloppy Joes with Maui Onion Straws

I tried a new recipe last week that I absolutely have to share with you.  Amazing Sloppy Joes.  The best I have ever made or eaten!  I followed this recipe from the very talented Guy Fieri.  I only changed 2 things - I used half the amount of cayenne pepper, and I didn't toast the rolls.  The first night we ate them I didn't make the onions - they were fantastic.  The next night I had time to make the onions - they were fantastic again.  The perfect recipe for some super flavorful comfort food!





Here is the exact recipe from The Food Network website.
T = tablespoon       t = teaspoon

Sloppy Joes with Maui Onion Straws

 For the Sloppy Joes: 

1/4 c. canola oil
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded, deveined and diced
1 red onion, diced
1 pound ground pork
1 pound ground beef
2 T. minced garlic
1/4 c. red wine
1/4 c. red wine vinegar
1 t. cayenne pepper
1 T. paprika
1 t. ground cumin
1 t. dry mustard
1 6 ounce can tomato paste
1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
3 T. packed brown sugar
1/4 c. Worcestershire sauce
kosher or sea salt and pepper
24 sweet Hawaiian rolls


For the Onion Straws:
2 c. canola oil
1 large egg
1/2 c. milk
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 t. cayenne pepper
1 t. paprika
1 t. garlic powder
kosher or sea salt and pepper
1 sweet onion (Maui or Vidalia)


Directions:
Prepare the sloppy joes:  In a large saute pan over medium-high heat, combine the canola oil, bell peppers, jalapeno and onion; cook for 5 minutes.  Add the beef and pork; cook thoroughly, breaking up the meat as it browns.  Add the garlic.  Depending on the amount of residual grease, you may need to drain some of the fat from the pan.  Deglaze with the red wine, then stir in the remaining sloppy joe ingredients (except the rolls) and season with 1 T. each salt and pepper.  Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.  If the sauce gets too thick as it simmers, add up to 1 cup water to adjust the consistency.  Toast the rolls and set aside.


Meanwhile, prepare the onion straws:  In medium sauce pot, heat the oil to 350 degrees.  Whisk the egg and milk in a medium bowl.  Mix the flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, 1 T. salt and 1 t. pepper in another medium bowl.  Cut the onion in half, then slice into 1 inch thick half rings; separate into short straw-like pieces.  Add to the milk mixture to soak.


Once the oil is hot enough, remove the onions from the milk mixture, shake off excess and dredge in the flour mixture, 4 or 5 pieces at a time.  Add to the pot and fry until golden brown; transfer to paper towels to drain.


Serve the sloppy joes on the toasted rolls and top with onion straws.