it's friday
and it's also lent
i know i should probably be fasting
but come on
let's not get ridiculous
i do
however
abstain from meat
which isn't difficult for me
but
it is torture for hubster
tonight for dinner
we are indulging a bit
1 lb squid cut into rounds
1 cup flour
2 tsp favorite spice mix or a mixture of salt/pepper/cayenne
generous pinch sugar (this gives it a bit of color when frying)--purely optional
peanut or other oil for frying
marinara sauce
lemon wedges
place clamari in a bowl of lightly salted ice water. let sit for about 10 minutes. pour oil about 3" deep in a heavy pot and heat over medium fire. remove squid from water and dry thoroughly with paper towels. in a shallow dish, mix together flour and spice of choice. drop in flour and lightly dust. shake off excess flour and drop in hot oil heated to 350.
The key is to not overcook the calamari. If you do, it will get chewy...so watch is carefully and take it out when it is lightly toasted and crispy...do not let it get dark brown. Drain on paper towel and dust with salt. Serve with lemon wedges and sauce.