Calamari Fritti (Fried Calamari)

Delicious Italian Recipe: Calamari Fritti

Looking to impress your guests with a taste of authentic Italian food? Try serving up some crispy and flavorful Calamari Fritti, also known as Fried Calamari.

This popular dish features tender rings of calamari coated in a light and crispy batter, then fried to perfection. The result is a mouthwatering appetizer or main course that pairs perfectly with a squeeze of lemon and a side of marinara sauce.

Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or just craving a taste of the Mediterranean, Calamari Fritti is sure to delight your taste buds and transport you straight to Italy. Buon appetito!

Italian Recipe: Calamari Fritti (Fried Calamari)

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh calamari, cleaned and sliced into rings
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 5-7 minutes

Serves: 4 persons

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Add the calamari rings to the flour mixture and toss to coat evenly.
3. In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 375°F.
4. Carefully add the coated calamari rings to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
5. Fry the calamari for about 2-3 minutes per batch until golden brown and crispy.

6. DRAIN THE FRIED CALAMARI ON A PAPER TOWEL-LINED PLATE TO REMOVE EXCESS OIL. .
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< p >Serve the fried calamari hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top. Enjoy this classic Italian dish as an appetizer or main course!

The difficulty score is: < i >3 out of 10. .

The difficulty score is relatively low because this recipe requires basic frying techniques and simple seasoning. With a little practice, anyone can master making delicious Calamari Fritti at home.

Nutrition: Calamari Fritti (Fried Calamari)

Here is the nutrition information per serving for Calamari Fritti (Fried Calamari), a classic Italian dish:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 1g

This dish is a popular appetizer in Italian cuisine and is typically enjoyed in moderation. While calamari is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, it is important to note that frying the calamari adds extra fat and calories. To make this dish healthier, consider baking or grilling the calamari instead of frying it.

Serving suggestions for Calamari Fritti (Fried Calamari)

When serving Calamari Fritti, it’s important to complement the dish with fresh flavors that enhance the taste of the fried calamari. One classic way to serve Fried Calamari is with a side of lemon wedges for a burst of citrusy flavor. You can also sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a touch of freshness.

• Another popular option is to serve Fried Calamari with marinara sauce or aioli for dipping. The creamy aioli adds a rich and garlicky flavor, while the tangy marinara sauce provides a contrast to the crispy calamari.
• If you want to add some heat to your dish, consider serving Fried Calamari with a side of spicy arrabbiata sauce. The fiery tomato-based sauce pairs well with the crunchy texture of the calamari.
• For a more modern twist, you can serve Fried Calamari on a bed of mixed greens dressed in a light vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing element to the dish and makes it perfect for a starter or appetizer.

What to serve with Calamari Fritti (Fried Calamari)

When planning your meal featuring this classic Italian recipe, there are several delicious options for what to serve alongside Fried Calamari. One traditional choice is to pair it with pasta, such as spaghetti aglio e olio or linguine alle vongole, for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

• For those looking for lighter fare, consider serving Fried Calamari with a simple arugula salad drizzled with balsamic glaze. The peppery arugula complements the fried calamari perfectly.
• If you’re hosting a dinner party and want to impress your guests, consider serving Fried Calamari as part of an antipasto platter alongside other Italian favorites like bruschetta, prosciutto-wrapped melon, and marinated olives.
• To round out your meal, pair Fried Calamari with a glass of crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Vermentino. The bright acidity of these wines cuts through the richness of the fried calamari and enhances its flavors.

Tips to enhance the flavor of Calamari Fritti (Fried Calamari)

For an authentic Italian recipe like Calamari Fritti, it’s important to focus on enhancing the flavors to make the dish truly stand out. One tip to increase the flavor is to add a touch of freshly grated lemon zest to the batter. The citrusy aroma will complement the seafood taste of the calamari and add a refreshing twist.

Another tip is to include garlic powder in the seasoning mix for the calamari. Garlic is a staple in Italian cuisine and will bring depth and richness to the flavor profile of the dish.

Spicy Score: 4 out of 10

I would rate this Calamari Fritti recipe a 4 out of 10 on the spicy scale. While Italian cuisine is not typically known for being overly spicy, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes can give the dish a subtle kick without overpowering the delicate flavors of the calamari.

The slight heat from these spices will enhance the overall taste experience and make each bite more dynamic and exciting. Just be sure not to overdo it, as you still want to be able to enjoy the natural sweetness of the calamari.