Calamari Fritti

Hello all, it’s time for the first Mancktastic recipe of 2014! Bill and I enjoyed this delicious dish of squid on Christmas Eve, and we’ve decided it’s going to become a family tradition.

In this dish, tender calamari tubes and tentacles are covered in flavorful spices and flour, then quickly fried in peanut oil. It’s a delicious treat to enjoy with a simple squeeze of lemon, or tossed with pasta and marinara sauce for a heartier meal.

Calamari Fritti

• Peanut Oil
• 1 pound Calamari, tubes and tentacles
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 Tablespoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1 teaspoon Greek seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1. Pour enough peanut oil to come 2 inches up the side of your dutch oven or other thick-bottomed, high-walled pot. Heat on medium to medium-high, or until flour dropped into the oil immediately sizzles and disperses.
2. Cut your tubes into 1/2 inch rings, rinse the tubes and tentacles, then set aside.
3. Combine flour, parsley, salt, peppers, paprika, Greek seasoning and garlic powder in a large bowl, stir well.
4. Toss the tubes and tentacles in the flour mixture, making sure to coat well.
5. When the oil is heated, fry the calamari in small batches, stirring to ensure complete cooking, for about 2 minutes, or until golden.
6. Drain the calamari on paper towels and sprinkle with additional salt.

Based on a recipe from Harvest of the Sea