Recipe - Calamari Fritti (deep fried squid)

Serves - 2 | Prepare - 40 mins | Level - Beginner

What you’ll need

• 300g squid rings (slice the squid bodies into rings)

• 500ml sunflower/maize oil (don't use olive oil)

• 4 tablespoons plain flour

• 4 tablespoons semolina flour

• Fine sea salt (to taste)

• Garnish: 1 lemon (cut into wedges)

Method

Step 1

Rinse and clean squid pieces in running water and pat completely dry with paper towels. If they are whole, slice the squid into rings.

Step 2

In a large high-walled, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat, heat several inches of oil to 170c or until a small cube of bread dropped into the oil browns in about 30 seconds.

Step 3

Place the flour and semolina in a shallow bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Dredge the calamari rings in the flour mixture, shaking them to remove excess.

Step 5

Fry the coated calamari in several batches to avoid overcrowding, until crisp and lightly golden, about 1 to 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried calamari to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 6

Season to taste with salt and serve immediately with lemon wedges and patatine fritte (chips).