It’s Calamari Season!!!!

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It’s Calamari Season!!!!

 
It's one of my favorite food times of the year-calamari season! I absolutely love this delicious seafood creature. Calamari is the Italian word for “squid” and is commonly used to describe several dishes that feature this sea animal. On its own, squid is typically a very healthful food. It is low in calories and free of saturated fats; it also contains a number of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which many believe improve overall health and reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular disorders, such as heart attacks. The tentacles typically contain fewer nutrients than the body, but both are generally high in protein and vitamin B12.
There are many ways of preparing and cooking squid, with every country and region having its own recipes. Fried squid appears in Mediterranean cuisine in Lebanon, Syria, Italy, and Turkey, and it is served with tartar sauce. In New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa, it is sold in fish and chip shops, and in North America, it is a staple in seafood restaurants.
So for this recipe, I thought I would make it the Mediterranean way, lightly fried and served with a delicious marinara sauce and a side of salad. And serve it with a nice glass of vino, of course! This is a basic and very light Italian version, other than the heavier American fried version. It is lightly coated in seasoned flour and then drizzled with fresh lemon juice. So simple, tasty, and satisfying. Nothing heavy to overbear the great flavor, just a bit to enhance it.
You may make the marinara sauce the night before and just heat it right before serving. Serve this with a marinara sauce for dipping, your favorite wine, great company and conversation, and you are in heaven! And one other nice thing to do is to have some nice music playing in the background. ( I love the Gypsy Kings) Now, you are in paradise! Enjoy!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Appetizer, Main Dish, Seafood
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 338 kcal

Equipment

  • Heavy Bottomed Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Large bowl
  • Tongs
  • Spider Strainer
  • paper towels
  • medium saucepan
  • spatula
  • Mesh Cooling Rack with Baking Sheet underneath

Ingredients
  

  • Vegetable or sunflower Oil to fill the pot 3 inches deep
  • 1 pound cleaned squid with tentacles, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarsh
  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste Freshly Ground Pepper and Salt
  • 2 lemons lemons cut into wedges
  • 28 ounces whole tomatoes such as San Marzano tomatoes
  • 8 cloves garlic peeled, and crushed
  • large pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil sprigs finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Pour tomatoes into a large bowl and crush with your hands. Pour 1 cup water into the can and slosh it around to gather up all of the remaining tomatoes juices. Place aside. In a medium saucepan add the tomatoes. Add in the crushed garlic, chile pepper, salt, oregano and chopped basil. Simmer the sauce for about 30-45 minutes to allow all the flavors to come together and to thicken.
  • Pat the calamari very dry with paper towels. This helps create a crisp coating.
    In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Pour enough oil into a heavy pot to reach 3 inches of depth. Heat the oil to 350 degrees. Mix the flour, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Working in small batches, toss the squid into the flour mixture to coat. Carefully shake off any excess. Carefully add the squid into the hot oil and fry for about 1-2 minutes.
    Do not let them get a deep golden brown color (they will be tough if you do). You want a light color to them.
    Carefully remove with a slotted spoon onto a mesh cooling rack with a baking sheet underneath to catch the grease or a paper-toweled plate, season with salt, and place in a warm oven. Complete with remaining squid. Serve with the lemon and marinara sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 338kcalCarbohydrates: 73gProtein: 9gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 600mgPotassium: 597mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1677IUVitamin C: 31mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 4mg
Keyword Calamari, San Marzano, Seafood, Squid
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Hello, I'm Yvette

Well, hello there! Thank you for taking a look. I hope you stay awhile and revisit often. I’m Yvette, and the recipes you will find here are easy to follow from my home and world travels all with pics included. They are prepared with whole food, seasonal ingredients that nourish your body and will make your culinary experience smooth. Most are very easy and quick while some are nurtured with longer preparation time for a Sunday or holiday event.

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Yvette

Hi, I’m Yvette! I enjoy creating recipes that I love making for my family and friends, and I’m excited to share them with you. I also have a deep passion for traveling and experiencing the diverse cuisines of different places. Each location has its unique style and flavors, and I want to bring those to you through my recipes. Each journey opens my eyes to a tapestry of flavors and culinary traditions from around the globe. From the zesty spices of street food vendors to the rich aromas from local kitchens, every destination has its own story and unique palate. I’m excited to infuse these experiences into my recipes, inviting you to savor a taste of the world without leaving your home. So, settle in, choose a destination that captivates your heart, and let’s embark on a delightful culinary experience together as we explore new flavors and create unforgettable meals!

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