Fried Calamari with Marinara Sauce
If you're looking for a delicious appetizer or snack to serve at your next gathering, fried calamari with marinara sauce is a perfect choice. This dish is a classic Italian recipe that's full of flavor and easy to make.
To begin, you'll need to gather your ingredients. For the calamari, you'll need:
- 1 pound of squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the marinara sauce, you'll need:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Once you have your ingredients, you can start preparing your calamari. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Dip each calamari ring into the flour mixture, making sure it's coated on both sides.
Heat a large pot or deep fryer with vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot enough, carefully add the calamari rings to the pot. Fry them until they're golden brown and crispy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
While the calamari is frying, you can start making your marinara sauce. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, which should take about 1 minute.
Next, add the can of crushed tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the calamari is done frying, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve the fried calamari with the marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine and a side salad. It's an easy and impressive dish to serve at any gathering or dinner party. Enjoy!