Pan Sautee squid (Calamari)

One of the easiest ways to cook squid (calamari), especially at home, is sauté or pan fry it. The key is to either cook it really fast or really slow; You must cook it for either a very short amount of time (sautéed or fried for no more than 3 minutes) or a long amount of time (stewed for over 20 minutes); anything in between will leave you with a chewy texture.

This recipe it’s easy, healthy, super delicious and really brings out the natural and incredible flavours of the squid! Serve it as an appetizer or a main plate, with any side dish you fancy!

The key to preparing squid is to either cook it really fast or really slow.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 garlic clove, finely grated

• 1 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice (1 small lemon)

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1 tsp oregano

• 1/2 bunch fresh onions finely chopped

• Salt, freshly ground pepper

• 1 Kg cleaned squid

• 10 cherry tomatoes halved

• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest

• 1/4 cup white dry wine or ouzo

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

• In a serving bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, lemon zest and minced garlic until well mixed

• Grab the cleaned squids (if you bought frozen, clean them well and pat it dry)

• Cut strips on top of the squid bodies that are about 1/4 inch apart, but without cutting all the way through

• Add the marinade you made on top of the calamari and rub throughout the entire squid, then season the squid with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper

• Heat a non-stick frying pan with a medium heat, once the pan get´s hot add the squid to the pan, cook between 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate

• Using the same pan with the same heat add the remaining olive oil to the pan and cook the chopped fresh onions and halved cherry tomatoes for about 3 minutes

• Add the wine or ouzo and continue cooking for 5 more minutes

• Transfer the cooked squid into the pan and cook for 2-3 more minutes

• Season with additional salt and pepper if needed

• Serve immediately

Tips:
1. If you like the dish to be spicy add 1/2 tsp of red chilli flakes and 1/2 tsp of grated ginger in the marinate.
2. The ideal side dish for this recipe its French fries but you can also serve it with oven baked potatoes cut like French fries.  They also taste very nice, especially if you sprinkle them with olive oil, salt and pepper and bake them uncover in 200 C degrees