Calamari Fritti Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound (500 grams) cleaned calamari (See note 1)
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus extra for sprinkling after frying)
• 1/2 cup 00 flour
• 1/2 cup semolina flour (See note 2)
• 1 1/2 cups sunflower oil (See note 3)

Instructions

1. 1

   Slice the mantles into ½ inch rings (about 1 ½ cm). Cut the fins into strips. Leave the tentacles as they are or if large cut them in half lengthwise. Sprinkle with salt and toss to distribute.

2. 2

   Mix the semolina flour and 00 flour.

3. 3

   Have ready a paper towel lined wire rack and set it over a baking sheet on which to drain the fried calamari.

4. 4

   Pour the oil into a deep frying pan and heat to 340ºF-356ºF (170-180ºC). Check with a thermometer.

5. 5

   When the oil is ready, add a handful of prepared calamari to the flour mixture. Toss well to coat all over.

6. 6

   Put the coated calamari into a fine sieve to shake off the excess.

7. 7

   Carefully transfer the coated calamari into the hot oil. Stir to separate and cook for 1-1 ½ minutes or until golden brown.

8. 8

   Use a slotted spoon to remove from the hot oil and drain the prepared wire rack. Sprinkle with extra salt while hot.

9. 9

   Repeat with the remaining calamari.

10. 10

    Serve immediately with lemon wedges.