fried calamari with marinara recipe

Sure! Here’s a simple recipe for fried calamari with marinara sauce:

Ingredients:

For the calamari:

• 1 lb (450g) cleaned calamari tubes and tentacles
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Lemon wedges for serving

For the marinara sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the calamari:
   • If your calamari hasn’t been cleaned, you’ll need to do that first. Rinse them under cold water and remove any remaining innards or cartilage. Pat them dry with paper towels.
   • Slice the calamari tubes into rings, about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Make the marinara sauce:
   • Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Keep warm until ready to serve.
3. Fry the calamari:
   • In a shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
   • Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (180°C).
   • Working in batches, dredge the calamari rings and tentacles in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
   • Carefully place the calamari into the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
   • Remove the fried calamari with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining calamari.
4. Serve:
   • Arrange the fried calamari on a serving platter and serve hot with lemon wedges and marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Enjoy your homemade fried calamari with marinara sauce!