Today, I’m excited to share one of my favorite dishes: calamares. This simple yet delightful treat features tender squid coated in a crispy batter. It’s a dish that brings back great memories and is always a hit at gatherings.

Why Calamares is Special

Calamares, or fried squid, has a special place in my heart. Growing up, we often enjoyed it at family meals, especially during the summer. The smell of calamares frying always filled our kitchen with anticipation. One of my best memories is from a trip to San Jose Del Monte, where I tasted the most amazing calamares at the road in the street vendor.  That experience inspired me to perfect my own recipe, and now I want to share it with you.

A Simple Recipe with a Personal Touch

Here’s an easy recipe for making delicious calamares at home. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do!

Ingredients:

– 1 pound fresh squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– Lemon wedges, for serving
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Squid:
Clean the squid thoroughly. If you’re using frozen squid, make sure it’s completely thawed and dried with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better.

2. Make the Coating:
In a large bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. This mixture will give the squid a crispy and flavorful coating.

3. Coat the Squid:
Toss the squid rings in the flour mixture until they are well coated. Shake off any extra flour. For extra crunch, you can dip the squid in beaten egg before coating them again.

4. Heat the Oil:
Pour enough vegetable oil into a pan to cover the squid rings. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot. You can check if the oil is ready by dropping a small piece of bread into it—if it turns brown in about a minute, the oil is hot enough.

5. Fry the Squid:
Carefully add a few squid rings to the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 2-3 minutes, until they are golden and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain.

6. Serve:
Serve your calamares hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side. The lemon adds a fresh, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy squid.

A Few Tips:

– Use Fresh Squid: Fresh squid tastes better and has a better texture.
– Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature to avoid greasy calamari.
– Add Your Twist: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking or try your favorite seasoning blend.

I hope this recipe brings a smile to your face and delicious food to your table. Enjoy making and eating your calamares!

Happy cooking!