Hey! I'm Des!
Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.
Calamari Puttanesca
I am a sucker for perfectly fried calamari. I will literally pick a restaurant based on whether or not they have calamari on the menu. There is just something about the light crisp batter and the tender squid inside. Yes, I know the word squid can be a bit off putting but seriously. It’s good. If you’ve never tried it before, this is the perfect way to ease yourself into it. With a quick fry, a topping of tomatoes, capers and kalamata olives it’s crispy, briny, savory goodness.
If you are familiar with pasta puttanesca, you will realize that this is missing anchovies. I did that intentionally. With pasta puttanesca, the anchovies are cooked and add an amazing depth of flavor to the sauce. With this, since the sauce is not cooked, and knowing neither Ryan nor I like anchovies in salads, I skipped that step. I personally think it was a good choice. The tomatoes, capers and olives are briny and savory enough for me. If you would like the added kick that anchovies give, I’d chop one into tiny pieces and mix it well with the other ingredients.
One note on frying calamari: It doesn’t take long at all. I suggest a cooking time of two minutes. If you go too long it gets rubbery.
If you are looking for another scrumptious calamari recipe, you have GOT to try Salt and Pepper Calamari.
Calamari Puttanesca
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 large tomato diced, seeds removed
- 2 tablespoons non-pareil capers
- 1/3 cup sliced kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- oil for frying
- 1 pound calamari tubes
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2/3 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Combine tomatoes, capers, olives, parsley and olive oil together in a bowl. Let set at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Heat 1 inch of oil in a pan over medium-high heat to 375 degrees.
- Use a paper towel to pat dry the calamari.
- In a bowl whisk together egg and milk.
- In another bowl combine flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- Dip the calamari in the egg and milk mixture. Then dredge lightly in the flour mixture. Shake off excess flour.
- Fry calamari, in batches if necessary, for approximately 2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel lined plate.
- Transfer calamari to a serving platter. Pour tomato, caper, olive mixture over the top. Serve immediately.
Notes
Hey! I'm Des!
Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.
ann walduck
July 7, 2012 at 5:29 pmI love your calamari recipe. I will cook calamari today. TY
Shut Up & Cook
June 15, 2012 at 12:09 amOh hell yeah..these look amazing!
I am with you on just how good, good calamari can be…the best! I particuarly like getting them on top of caesar salad.
You just let me know the next time you want Calamari and root beer for dinner and I am there!