Crispy Fried Calamari with Marinara Sauce

Name: Crispy Fried Calamari with Marinara Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: {'ingredient': 'Calamari, cleaned and cut into rings', 'amount': '1 pound'}; {'ingredient': 'Cornmeal', 'amount': '1/2 cup'}; {'ingredient': 'All-purpose flour', 'amount': '1/2 cup'}; {'ingredient': 'Salt', 'amount': '1 teaspoon'}; {'ingredient': 'Black pepper', 'amount': '1/2 teaspoon'}; {'ingredient': 'Paprika', 'amount': '1 teaspoon'}; {'ingredient': 'Garlic powder', 'amount': '1 teaspoon'}; {'ingredient': 'Egg', 'amount': '1, beaten'}; {'ingredient': 'Milk', 'amount': '1/4 cup'}; {'ingredient': 'Vegetable oil', 'amount': 'for frying'}; {'ingredient': 'Canned crushed tomatoes', 'amount': '1 can (15 ounces)'}; {'ingredient': 'Olive oil', 'amount': '2 tablespoons'}; {'ingredient': 'Garlic, minced', 'amount': '2 cloves'}; {'ingredient': 'Dried oregano', 'amount': '1 teaspoon'}; {'ingredient': 'Salt', 'amount': 'to taste'}; {'ingredient': 'Fresh basil, chopped', 'amount': 'for garnish'}

Indulge in the tantalizing crunch of Crispy Fried Calamari, a classic dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. Each ring is perfectly battered and fried to golden perfection, offering a delightful contrast of textures—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. Pair it with a zesty homemade marinara sauce that enhances the dish's savory notes. This beloved appetizer has roots in Italian cuisine, where it is often enjoyed as a popular street food, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or a cozy night in.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Calamari, cleaned and cut into rings (1 pound)
Cornmeal (1/2 cup)
All-purpose flour (1/2 cup)
Salt (1 teaspoon)
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
Paprika (1 teaspoon)
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
Egg (1, beaten)
Milk (1/4 cup)
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Canned crushed tomatoes (1 can (15 ounces))
Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
Garlic, minced (2 cloves)
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
Salt (to taste)
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the marinara sauce by heating olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and salt. Simmer for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld. Set aside.
In a shallow dish, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
In another shallow dish, whisk together the beaten egg and milk.
Dip the calamari rings into the egg mixture, then coat them in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the calamari rings in batches for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan.
Remove the fried calamari with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve the crispy fried calamari hot, garnished with fresh basil and accompanied by the marinara sauce for dipping.

Dietary Information

Servings: 4 • Dish Type: Appetizer • Prep Time: 20 minutes • Cook Time: 15 minutes • Calories: 400 • Fat: 20g • Carbs: 35g • Protein: 15g • Sodium: 600mg • Sugar: 5g

Crispy Fried Calamari with Marinara Sauce

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

Dietary Information

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