Perfect Fried Calamari

PERFECT FRIED CALAMARI
Serving Size: 2-4 people, or more

What you’ll need:
1 cup chickpea flour

¼ cup of all-purpose flour

½ tsp of salt Fresh cracked black pepper to taste

1-2 tsp of any seasoning you like! You can use garlic powder, paprika, or chilli flakes as examples!

2 or more full calamari, de-inked (fresh not frozen is best! If frozen, make sure to thaw)

1 cup of buttermilk or regular milk

A small-medium sized pot filled ¾ of the way with your favourite frying oil (we used vegetable oil!)

Squeeze of fresh lemon juice   

Directions:

1.       Rinse the calamari if necessary.

2.       Cut slits horizontally about 3mm apart into the body (tube). Do not cut rings unless you really want to!

3.       Place the calamari in the milk and let it marinate as you prepare the rest.

4.       Start heating the oil by turning the burner on high.

5.       Mix the flour and all seasonings together in a medium mixing bowl to create your homemade calamari crust. You can even add finely chopped fresh parsley if you like!

6.       Make sure the oil is ready: drop a few crumbs of the coating into the oil. If it fries and bubbles immediately, your oil is ready!

7.       Once the oil is ready, take the milky calamari and coat it well in the crust mixture. Continue until all the pieces you have are coated.

8.       Gently place in the oil and cook for about 20-30 seconds, or until golden brown. Because of the slits, the calamari will cook into a perfectly round ring, perfect for serving.

9.       Place on a plate lined with paper towel to absorb some of that excess oil, add a squeeze of fresh lemon and enjoy!

Pearing Suggestions: Blitz some roasted red pepper and tomatoes with some salt, pepper, and garlic, and serve as a dipping sauce!