Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 red onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes or garnet yams (about 3 medium), scrubbed, unpeeled and cut into 1/4-inch-by-4-inch fries, soaked in ice water
• Canola oil or vegetable oil
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces shredded fontina, for serving

Instructions

1. Watch how to make this recipe.
2. For the caramelized onions: Heat the oil over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add the onions, vinegar, salt and pepper, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deep golden brown, about 20 minutes.
3. Fries: Drain the potatoes and dry completely on a clean kitchen towel. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour enough oil to fill the pan about a third of the way. Heat over medium-high heat until a deep-frying thermometer inserted in the oil reaches 375 degrees F. (If you don't have a thermometer a cube of bread will brown in about 5 minutes.)
4. While the oil is heating, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and 2 1/2 cups water until smooth. Coat the potatoes in the batter. Transfer 8 to 10 potatoes to the oil, allowing any excess batter to drip back into the bowl. Fry until golden and crisp, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining potatoes.
5. For the sauce: In a small skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add the thyme and garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Pour the sauce over the fries and gently toss until coated.
6. Place the fries on a platter and spoon the onions on top. Sprinkle with fontina and serve immediately.