Among the undeniable pleasures of the table is certainly fried calamari, a simple yet irresistible dish that immediately brings us back to the joyful atmospheres of our summer periods.
Discover the pleasure of a classic seafood dish with our fried calamari, served with a yogurt sauce to add a touch of freshness and creaminess. This crispy and golden dish is perfect for an appetizer or as a tantalizing starter.
Preparation Time
Preparration: 15 minutes
Cooking: 10 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Choosing the Best Ingredients
To achieve perfect fried calamari, it is important to choose high-quality ingredients. The calamari should be fresh, with shiny skin and a delicate sea smell. Prefer medium-sized ones, which are more tender and flavorful. The ideal Greek yogurt is creamy and thick, with a slightly tangy flavor. You can choose plain white yogurt or one flavored with herbs or spices to your liking.
Ingredients for 4 people
- 500g of fresh calamari, cleaned and cut into rings
- 200g of flour
- 2 eggs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving
For the Yogurt Sauce
- 200g of Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped chives (optional)
Method
- Calamari Preparation:
Ensure the calamari are thoroughly cleaned, slice the bodies into rings and leave the tentacles whole. Pat dry.
- Preparing the Batter:
In a bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and pepper. Dip the calamari rings and tentacles into the beaten eggs, then coat them in flour until fully covered.
- Frying:
Heat a good amount of vegetable oil in a deep pan or a fryer. When the oil is hot, fry the calamari in small batches to not lower the oil temperature. Cook until they are golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels and season lightly with salt.
- Yogurt Sauce Preparation:
In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chopped chives for a touch of freshness, if desired.
- Serving:
Serve the calamari hot with lemon wedges and yogurt sauce on the side.
A Dish Rich in Nutrients and Benefits
In addition to its taste, fried calamari with yogurt sauce is a dish rich in nutrients and health benefits. Calamari are a valuable source of protein, B vitamins, and minerals such as selenium and phosphorus. Greek yogurt, on the other hand, is rich in calcium, probiotics, and protein, making it an ideal food to support gut and immune health.
A Dive into History and Traditions
Fried calamari is a dish popular in various coastal cultures, with variations that adapt to different culinary traditions. The version with yogurt sauce I propose today adds a creamy contrast that balances the crispiness of the calamari. It draws inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine, where yogurt is a widely used and appreciated ingredient for its fresh taste and versatility.
Storage Tips
Fried calamari are best consumed immediately after cooking to maintain their crispiness. The yogurt sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Wine Pairings
- Alcoholic: A fresh Pinot Grigio or a Vermentino.
- Non-alcoholic: A sparkling non-alcoholic white wine.
Beer Pairings
- Alcoholic: A light Pilsner or a craft beer with citrus notes.
- Non-alcoholic: A clear non-alcoholic beer.
Cocktail Pairings
- Alcoholic: A Gin and Tonic, for a classic and refreshing pairing.
- Non-alcoholic: A lime and mint non-alcoholic cocktail.
This dish of fried calamari with yogurt sauce offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, perfect for a festive aperitif or as the start to a seafood dinner.
Enjoy your meal and Buon Appetito!
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